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Researchers from the University of Toronto are raising alarms over the high consumption of ultra-processed foods among preschool-aged children in Canada, highlighting its potential link to rising obesity rates. The study, published today in JAMA Network Open, reveals that ultra-processed foods account for nearly half of a child’s daily calorie intake.
Kozeta Miliku, an assistant professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, emphasizes the severity of the findings: “We saw that ultra-processed foods contributed to almost half of a child’s total daily energy intake.”
The research, which examines the connection between ultra-processed food consumption and obesity, also sheds light on the effects of these foods on different genders. The study found that males are more vulnerable to obesity risk from high ultra-processed food intake compared to females.
Ultra-processed foods—characterized by industrial production and the inclusion of artificial ingredients such as preservatives, colors, and emulsifiers—are commonly consumed by children. This category includes foods like soda, chips, instant noodles, flavored yogurts, and even commercially prepared whole-grain breads.
The study draws from data of over 2,200 children enrolled in the CHILD Cohort Study, one of Canada’s largest longitudinal studies, tracking health data from pregnancy through childhood. Researchers analyzed food frequency questionnaires completed by caregivers when the children were three years old, comparing the data to physical measurements taken at age five, including height, weight, and body fat measurements.
The results showed that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods at age three correlated with higher body fat and greater obesity risk by age five, particularly in male children. These associations held true even after adjusting for factors like parent education and breastfeeding history.
Miliku, who has a three-year-old of her own, understands the challenges parents face in balancing convenience and nutrition. “Ultra-processed foods are very accessible and a handy solution for busy days,” she admits. However, she also recognizes the opportunity for improvement in children’s diets and hopes the study will encourage policymakers to introduce regulations such as front-of-package nutrition labeling and food taxes on ultra-processed products.
In light of the findings, the researchers are exploring whether replacing ultra-processed foods with minimally processed whole foods can help mitigate obesity risk. They are also investigating why males seem more susceptible to the health impacts of ultra-processed foods, potentially due to factors like the gut microbiome.
The researchers point to policies in other countries, such as the Nutri-Score label in France, as effective tools for encouraging healthier dietary choices. They also advocate for broader support to address food insecurity, ensuring fresh and nutritious options are more accessible to families across Canada.
“With overweight and obesity affecting nearly one in three children in this country, it’s concerning that more action isn’t being taken,” Miliku said.
Disclaimer: This article is based on findings published in JAMA Network Open. The study’s results reflect trends observed in the data but do not imply direct causation. Further research is needed to fully understand the complexities of diet, obesity, and child development.
