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Most dietary programs focus on weight loss or aligning with U.S. nutrition guidelines, which currently do not emphasize ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These mass-produced, packaged products—such as chips and candy—contain little to no natural ingredients and have been strongly associated with increased risks of disease and early death.
Recognizing this gap, researchers from Drexel University’s College of Arts and Sciences designed an intervention targeting UPFs, which are often engineered to be addictive. The program incorporated multiple strategies, including education on UPFs, mindfulness-based techniques to manage cravings, one-on-one meal planning, involvement of household members, and financial support for purchasing healthier foods.
The study, recently published in Obesity and Science Practice, involved a two-month intervention with 14 adults who regularly consumed at least two UPF items per day. Participants successfully reduced their UPF intake by nearly 50% by the end of the program.
“Reducing UPF intake can be extremely difficult because the food industry makes these products highly appealing—cheap, convenient, and constantly advertised,” said lead author Charlotte Hagerman, Ph.D., assistant research professor at Drexel.
Although the sample size was small, the findings were promising. Participants reduced their average calorie intake by over 600 calories per day and saw declines in sugar (50%), saturated fat (37%), and sodium (28%). They also reported an average weight loss of 7.7 pounds. Interestingly, fruit and vegetable intake did not significantly increase, suggesting a need for additional emphasis on healthier food consumption.
Participants provided highly positive feedback, reporting improved mood and energy levels. They attended weekly group sessions with health behavior coaches and engaged in activities such as identifying UPFs, handling cravings, and improving their household food environment. Individual meal planning and a $100 grocery store gift card further supported their efforts.
To assess dietary changes, participants used the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA-24), documenting their food intake before and after the intervention. Researchers categorized each entry as UPF or non-UPF, ensuring unbiased analysis.
“The findings suggest that people can successfully reduce their UPF intake when given the right tools, leading to meaningful health improvements in as little as eight weeks,” Hagerman noted. The research team aims to expand the study to a larger sample and diverse populations to assess its broader effectiveness.
For more details, the full study can be accessed here: DOI: 10.1002/osp4.70029.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals before making significant dietary changes.
