Ultra-processed food intake is associated with altered glucose homeostasis in young adults with a history of overweight or obesity: a longitudinal study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), often high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, compose more than half of total dietary energy consumption in the United States. A diet composed of a high amount of UPFs can contribute to glucose dysregulation and insulin resistance, which may lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, few studies have assessed the associations between UPFs and T2D or obesity in young people. The goal of this study is to examine associations between UPF consumption and prediabetes and related biomarkers in youth. METHODS: Young adults (age 17-22, n = 85) with a history of overweight or obesity from the Metabolic and Asthma Incidence Research (Meta-AIR) study, a subset of the Children's Health Study, were enrolled between 2014 and 2018 and returned for a second visit between 2020 and 2022. Participants completed two 24-hour dietary recalls and an oral glucose tolerance test at each visit. Food items were categorized as either an UPF or non-UPF according to NOVA classification guidelines. The proportion of the diet composed of UPFs was calculated for each participant. Regression models were used to assess relationships of UPF consumption at baseline and change between visits with markers of glucose homeostasis at follow-up, adjusting for demographics, physical activity, and total energy intake. RESULTS: A 10%-point increase in UPF consumption between visits was associated with a 51% (OR: 1.51, 95% Cl: 1.04, 2.31) higher odds of having prediabetes and 158% (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.43, 5.85) higher odds of impaired glucose tolerance at follow-up. Higher baseline UPF consumption was significantly positively associated with 2-hour insulin ([Formula: see text] = 45.11, 95% CI: 22.42, 67.80) and insulin area under the curve ([Formula: see text] = 63.56, 95% CI: 34.95, 92.17) at follow-up. CONCLUSION: UPF consumption may increase the risk for T2D among young adults. Our findings suggest that limiting UPF consumption could be an important strategy for T2D prevention in this population.
Source: Nutrition & Metabolism
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,590
Funders: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, European Commission, National Institutes of Health, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, HORIZON EUROPE Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Awards: G1023978630, G1158240635, G125233966, G1480891745, G1583036818, Disentangling the early-life environmental determinants of pediatric LIVER injury: An eXposome-wide approach, G244766491, Environmental Genomics, G2658428538, G2702965091, G3136860156, Environmental Chemical Exposures and Longitudinal Changes of Glucose Metabolism, Insulin Sensitivity and B Cell Function in Youth, G3249297036, G3626700433, Effects of DDE exposure on adipose tissue function, weight loss and metabolic improvement after bariatric surgery: A new paradigm for study of lipophilic chemicals, Advancing Tools for Human Early Lifecourse Exposome Research and Translation, G6216761450, G681516181, G7137192840, G7361303909, G8440511448, G89476839, Perfluoroalkyl Substances and the Gut Microbiome and Fecal Metabolome: Implications for Obesity Risk in Hispanic Children, G903130330
OpenAlex ID: W4416092736