Prevalência de obesidade eutrófica e consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados de adultos

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of the prevalence of normal weight obesity, as well as the trend in the consumption of ultra-processed foods in two distinct samples. Samples of individuals from the biennia (2001–2004 and 2011–2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and a convenience sample from a national academic community were evaluated. Individuals aged 20 to 59 years and with a body mass index classified as normal weight were eligible for assessment regarding body composition and consumption of ultra-processed foods. Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney test were used to compare means, and Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were applied to compare prevalence. Linear and logistic regression models were developed to assess the associations between the variables. The results showed no trend of significant increase in the prevalence of normal-weight obesity over the analyzed biennia and that the mean body fat percentages were also similar. Likewise, the consumption of ultra-processed foods did not show an increasing trend over the years. However, in all biennia it was observed more than 50% of individuals with a high percentage of body fat, despite the normal body mass index. The 2013–2014 biennium stands out, with a prevalence of normal weight obesity close to 75%. In the national convenience sample, individuals with normal-weight obesity had a higher energy intake from processed meats compared to those with normal body fat percentages. Consumption of energy and added sugar was associated with the presence of normal-weight obesity. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the NHANES sample showed a high prevalence of normal-weight obesity, but the consumption of ultra-processed foods did not increase in all biennia. In the national sample, there were no differences in the consumption of ultra-processed foods between individuals with normal-weigh obesity or adequate body fat percentages. However, the results highlight the importance of identifying this condition early, in order to minimize risks associated with a high percentage of body fat in the medium and long terms.