CONSUMO DE COMIDA ULTRA PROCESADA Y MANIFESTACIÓN DE ENFERMEDADES CRÓNICAS NO TRANSMISIBLES A EDAD TEMPRANA

Abstract

Ultra-processed foods, composed of multiple industrial ingredients and additives, are associated with the early development of non-transmissible chronic diseases such as overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. These are determined by genetic, physiological, environmental factors, and inappropriate eating habits. The inappropriate eating habits plays an important role in the choice of these products. Similarly, it´s shown that genes are related in the preference for foods rich in fats, sugars, and salt due to the aim to achieve satiety, which affects individual inclination towards these foods. In that way, these lead to a decrease in the consumption of natural and healthy foods from childhood. On the other hand, food marketing, through strategies that increase accessibility and create a constant presence in everyday environments such as supermarkets and vending machines, promotes the acquisition of these products, especially among young people and children with limited budgets. Thus, this contributes to their excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods from an early age. This study underscores the need to implement educational, regulatory, and awareness measures in order to counteract the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods from childhood. Promoting a balanced and nutritious diet from an early age is crucial to prevent the development of non-transmissible chronic diseases and to promote a healthy lifestyle throughout the life.