Contribution of minimally processed and ultra-processed foods to the cardiometabolic risk of Brazilian young adults: a cross-sectional study

A greater consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPF) is associated with an increased risk of abdominal obesity in young adults.

• Young adults with cardiometabolic risk (CMR) had a higher caloric contribution from UPF in their diets.
• Total energy intake from lipids was significantly greater in individuals with CMR, both from all foods and specifically from UPF.
• Increased UPF consumption is linked to a higher likelihood of developing abdominal obesity.
• Conversely, higher consumption of minimally processed foods (MPF) is associated with a reduced risk of alterations in LDL cholesterol levels, regardless of other factors like sex and physical activity.

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