Associação entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados, risco para transtornos alimentares e imagem corporal: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

Eating disorders (ED) are psychiatric disorders of multifactorial origin, with genetic and environmental interactions, responsible for serious impairments in eating habits. Despite gaps in the literature regarding the possible mechanisms involved, evidence has been showing the impact of ultraprocessed foods (UPF) on eating behavior. This systematic review evaluated the association between consumption of ultraprocessed foods and ED and body image. A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, LILACS and APA PsycInfo electronic databases, with studies published between 2009 and 2022, with no language restriction. Cross-sectional and cohort studies were included in men and women of all ages, which evaluated the association between UPF consumption, according to the NOVA classification, and ED and body image, with diagnoses based on the DSM or properly substantiated. Studies that modeled UPF consumption as exposure and outcome were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Review Checklist. Four cross-sectional studies were included. One study evaluated ED of the restrictive, bulimic, unspecified and binge eating types; one evaluated body dissatisfaction and perception of body image; and two evaluated food addiction. All used validated instruments to measure ED consumption and body image. UPF consumption was significantly associated with unspecified bulimic disorders and binge eating disorder, food addiction and body dissatisfaction in women due to excess weight. No significant associations were found for restrictive ED and perceived body image. Our results suggest an association between ultraprocessed foods and risk for ED and body dissatisfaction, however, given the small number of included studies and their methodological limitations related to identification of confounding factors, no definitive conclusion could be reached and further research is needed.