Ultra-processed food consumption and obesity—a systematic review

A number of studies suggest a relationship between the intake of ultra-processed foods and the prevalence of obesity. Specifically, this type of food provides large amounts of free sugars and saturated fats, which contribute to a high energy intake. In the last few decades the consumption of these products has increased to the point of representing an important amount of calories in the daily diet of several populations. As a result, foods that are usually consumed in healthy eating patterns, containing fiber, complex carbohydrates, and good fats, have been displaced. This systematic review aims to compile the information available in the literature, and to examine the scientific evidence about the relationship between ultra-processed food and obesity. Nevertheless, there are a number of limitations due to the heterogeneity of the methodologies or food classification systems used in the different studies, which makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions on the relationship between consumption of ultra-processed food and development of obesity.