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Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Sustainable Lifestyles: A Multicenter Study
Eliana Romina Meza-Miranda1, Solange Parra-Soto2, Leslie Landaeta-Díaz3
1Centro Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Campus San Lorenzo, San Lorenzo 2160, Paraguay.
Nutrients
|January 28, 2026
Summary
High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is linked to less sustainable lifestyles in Latin America and Spain. This study highlights UPFs as a marker for environmental impact beyond just health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Environmental Sustainability
- Public Health
Background:
- Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is rising in Latin America and Spain, posing risks to health and environmental sustainability.
- This multicenter study is the first to investigate the link between UPF intake and sustainable lifestyle behaviors in these regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and sustainable lifestyle behaviors.
- To identify UPF consumption as a potential indicator of unsustainable living patterns.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study involving 6009 adults across 14 countries.
- Data collected via online questionnaires on sociodemographics, UPF intake (NOVA system), BMI, and sustainable behaviors (food, transport, environment).
- Multivariate linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, smoking, physical activity, and BMI.
Main Results:
- Individuals with higher UPF intake (fast food, beverages, snacks) were significantly more likely to exhibit least sustainable lifestyle behaviors.
- Odds ratios for least sustainable quartile ranged from 1.42 to 2.51 (p < 0.001) for highest UPF consumers versus non-consumers.
- A strong inverse association was found between UPF consumption and sustainable lifestyle indicators.
Conclusions:
- High UPF consumption is inversely associated with sustainable lifestyles in Latin America and Spain.
- UPF intake serves as a significant indicator of unsustainable lifestyle choices, extending beyond health implications.
- Public health strategies should consider the environmental footprint associated with UPF consumption.
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