Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Obesity in Brazilian Adolescents and Adults

Devout consumers of ultra-processed foods are liable to pile up the pounds and become obese.

This study was conducted to assess whether adolescents and adults who preferred consuming ultra-processed foods are at risk of becoming overweight and obese. Over 30,000 adolescents and adults from Brazil volunteered for this study. All the participants completed validated food frequency questionnaires and had their height and weight measured on a regular basis. 

Researchers found out that a high proportion of obese and overweight individuals were on diets high in ultra-processed foods. "Our findings support the role of ultra-processed foods in the obesity epidemic in Brazil," the authors concluded.