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A pilot study of a novel dietary intervention targeting ultra‐processed food intake
Despite their negative health effects, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are widely consumed in modern diets, making up nearly 60% of the typical American diet. The feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a behavioral intervention designed to lower UPF consumption were assessed in this study by Hagerman et al. (2024). An 8-week trial program with weekly group meetings, individualized food planning sessions, and financial support was attended by 14 participants. Three Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Recalls (ASA24) were used to quantify dietary consumption both before and after the intervention. The intervention was well-received and feasible, with participants expressing strong enthusiasm for reducing UPF intake. On average, participants reduced their daily UPF calorie intake by 48.9%, consumed nearly 50% fewer UPFs, lowered their total daily calorie intake by 612 calories, and decreased sodium and sugar consumption by 37% and 50%, respectively. However, fruit and vegetable intake remained unchanged. Participants also experienced an average weight loss of 3.5 kg (SD = 3.0 kg). These findings suggest that behavioral interventions focused on reducing UPF intake are effective and well-accepted, despite challenges in the current U.S. food environment. Future research should further develop these interventions and consider policy changes to support reduced ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption. [NPID: Ultra-processed foods, dietary intervention, behavioral change, food environment, nutrition, weight loss, calorie reduction, sodium intake, sugar consumption, meal planning]
Year: 2024
