Consumption of ultra-processed foods : an assessment of the literature on determinants of ultra-processed food consumption and an investigation of the potential effect of time scarcity

Abstract

Background Highly processed foods have been classified as ultra-processed, and consumption of such foodstuffs have expanded rapidly over the last decades. Ultra-processed foods are characterized as being accessible, attractive, palatable and often time-saving. An excess intake of ultra-processed foods has been associated with increased risk of e.g. overweight/obesity and diabetes type II. The aim of this master’s project was to investigate factors influencing consumption of ultra-processed foods. This resulted in one review paper on young adults, and one cross-sectional study where the association between time scarcity and ultra-processed food consumption was investigated. Methods In order to identify relevant material for the review paper, a systematic literature search was conducted in four databases, using a two-folded search string with terms indicative of ultra-processed foods and determinants. The cross-sectional study included 497 participants. A validated score was used as an indicator of time scarcity, and three scores were developed as indicators of ultra-processed food consumption; ultra-processed dinner products, snacks & soft drinks, fast foods. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association between time scarcity and consumption of ultra-processed foods. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Results In total, 65 studies were included in the review paper, and the majority of these investigated determinants on the individual level. Gender, younger age and more television watching were associated with consumption of ultra-processed foods. The cross-sectional study showed that participants with higher degree of time scarcity had higher odds of being high consumers of fast foods. Regression analyses also showed sociodemographic differences in consumption of ultra-processed foods. Conclusions Future research should further investigate factors influencing consumption of ultra-processed foods, particularly on the environmental level where there is currently a lack of research. Intervention studies and studies with a longitudinal design are needed. Keywords Ultra-processed food, processed food, determinants, time scarcity, young adults