Tipo e momento do consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e sua associação com a ingestão dietética e a atividade física em mulheres com obesidade que vivem na pobreza

Abstract

Over the last 50 years, globally, obesity has almost tripled, and women tend to be more affected. Furthermore, in developing countries, the greater availability and consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and inadequate levels of physical activity (PA) have been associated with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in low-income women. Recent scientific evidence shows that the timing of food consumption can lead to excessive energy intake and, consequently, weight gain and obesity. However, studies investigating the relationship between these variables, especially considering the types and timing of UPF consumption, remain scarce in the scientific literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the type and timing of UPF consumption and its association with dietary intake (DI) and PA in women with obesity living in poverty. This is a Cross-sectional study. Obesity was defined by at least two criteria (BMI, waist circumference or % fat mass). Poverty was defined as the three lowest classes of the Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion. PA was measured with triaxial accelerometers and DI was assessed with three 24-hour dietary recalls. Foods were categorized according to the NOVA classification, with UPF into five subgroups, and timing of consumption into six meals. 56 adult women were included. Overall energy intake was 1653.21 (503.22) kcal/d. UPF intake was 21.62 (11.94) %kcal/d, being higher at breakfast (4.91%kcal/d), afternoon snack (5.39%kcal/d) and dinner (5.01%kcal/d). Only UPF subgroup 4 (sandwich biscuits, sweets, or treats) showed positive associations with energy intake (β = 54.40 [27.6, 81.10]kcal/d) and negative association with protein intake (β = -0.31 [-0.48, -0.14]%kcal/d). UPF consumption in morning (β = -0.41 [-0.79, -0.02]%kcal/d) and afternoon (β = -0.18 [-0.33, -0.04]%kcal/d) snacks were associated with lower protein intake. Furthermore, lunchtime UPF consumption was positively associated with walking time (β = 0.16 [0.02; 0.30]%) and steps/hour (β = 8.72 [1.50; 15.94]steps/h). Therefore, in this study, women with obesity living in poverty consume more UPF during breakfast, afternoon snack and dinner. PA is positively associated with UPF consumption at lunch. UPF, such as sandwich biscuits, sweets or treats, contributed to increasing energy intake and reducing protein intake.