OBJECTIVE: Ultraprocessed foods (UPF) are often energy-dense and nutrient-poor, and excess consumption can increase the risk of child obesity. Eating behaviors in childhood may influence future dietary patterns. This study examined the relationships of baseline eating behaviors with baseline UPF intake and 12-month changes in UPF intake in children.
METHODS: Children aged 9-11 years were recruited (N = 101; 53% female). Parents reported on children's eating behaviors via the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). Children's dietary intake was captured with three automated dietary recalls. Daily average kilocalories of unprocessed/minimally processed foods (MPF) and UPF were extracted using the NOVA Food Classification System to calculate a UPF/MPF ratio.
RESULTS: Mean age and BMI z-score were 10.5 years (SD 0.88) and 0.97 (SD 1.07), respectively. Linear regressions controlling for sex and pubertal stage found that CEBQ-food fussiness was associated with a higher UPF/MPF intake ratio (p = 0.02) at baseline and an increase in UPF/MPF intake ratio (p = 0.04) over 1 year. CEBQ-enjoyment of food was associated with a decrease in UPF/MPF intake ratio (p = 0.03) over 1 year.
CONCLUSIONS: Child eating behaviors predict changes in UPF intake over 1 year. These results advocate for longitudinal research to examine dynamic relationships between eating behaviors, UPF intake, and body weight.
