Relación entre la ingesta de alimentos ultra procesados y la prevalencia de la obesidad

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity has emerged as a global public health concern, with its prevalence rising in recent decades. Changes in dietary patterns, particularly the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, have been identified as one of the main contributing factors. Objective: To describe the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the incidence of obesity in different age groups. Methodology: A narrative bibliographic review was conducted, using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Latindex. Articles in English and Spanish published in the last 10 years that specifically addressed the relationship between ultra-processed foods and obesity were included. Results: The reviewed studies suggest a positive correlation between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and obesity. This relationship is particularly concerning in children and adolescents. Ultra-processed foods, rich in sugars, saturated fats, and low in essential nutrients, contribute to an excess caloric intake. Additionally, their economic accessibility and effective marketing campaigns have positioned them as primary choices in daily diets. Conclusion: The accumulated evidence indicates that the consumption of ultra-processed foods is significantly associated with obesity. It is imperative to address this consumption as a public health priority and consider prevention and regulation strategies to combat the growing obesity epidemic.