Higher consumption of ultra‐processed foods is associated with higher odds of overweight and obesity amongst under‐five children: A national cross‐sectional study in Lebanon
Authors' conclusion
The high intake of UPFs coupled with its association with overweight/obesity call for public health nutrition interventions aimed at improving feeding and dietary practices in this age group.
Study context
- Population
- Children aged 6 months to 4.9 years in Lebanon
- Participants
- 893 children
- Exposure
- Tertiles of ultra-processed food (UPF) contribution to energy intake
- Outcome
- Association between UPF consumption and overweight/obesity
Methodological detailsnational survey
- National survey
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Overweight/obesity
Each group vs first tertileAdjusted odds ratio (95% CI)
Second tertile
1.21(1.09–1.32)
Third tertile
1.61(1.47–1.76)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
UPF contribution to daily energy intake
- UPFs contributed 47% of daily energy intake (EI)
Correlates of UPF consumption
- Girls and children with higher household income had significantly higher UPF intakes
- Children whose mothers had an intermediate, high school or technical diploma and were employed, and whose fathers had higher education, consumed significantly less EI from UPFs
Original publication
Higher consumption of ultra‐processed foods is associated with higher odds of overweight and obesity amongst under‐five children: A national cross‐sectional study in Lebanon. Pediatr Obes. Published 24 September 2024. doi:10.
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