(P20-008-25) Association of Intake of Ultra-Processed Snacks and Beverages With Obesity Status and Change in BMI Among College Students

Objectives: To evaluate associations between ultra-processed/sweetened versus minimally processed/unsweetened snacks with obesity status and BMI change over 12 weeks among college students. We hypothesized that a higher consumption of ultra-processed and sweetened snacks and beverages is directly associated with obesity and an increase in BMI over time.

Methods: College students (18-24 years) were recruited and asked to complete an online questionnaire to assess socio-demographics and health at baseline, at least two 24-h dietary recalls to assess snack/beverage data at baseline, and a link to self-report their weight and height at baseline and after 12 weeks. ANCOVA and linear regression analysis were performed for cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis respectively.

Results: A total of 140 students had complete data (mean age was 21.1 ± 1.7 years, 85% were female, 45.7% were White, 56.1% were non-Hispanic, and 51.4% had a household income less than $50,000. A total of 58% of the participants were classified as being without obesity while 42% had obesity. In the cross-sectional analysis (n=140) we found that those with obesity consumed water less frequently, soft/sports drinks more frequently and in larger amounts, and sweetened flavored milk/milk substitute in larger amounts compared to those without obesity. In the longitudinal analysis (n=87) we found that consuming unsweetened tea/coffee more frequently significantly lower BMI while consuming processed meats dishes more frequently and soft drinks/sports drinks and ice-cream, margarine, spreads and “fruit” yogurt in larger amounts significantly increased BMI over time.

Conclusions: Specific categories of snacks were associated with obesity and BMI gain over time. These findings could be used in future intervention strategies to improve snacking.

Funding Sources: This study was funded by an internal grant from Florida International University.