A Pilot Study of a Novel Dietary Intervention Targeting Ultra‐Processed Food Intake

Charlotte J. Hagerman; Asher E. Hong; Emma Jennings; Meghan L. Butryn

doi:10.1002/osp4.70029

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A Pilot Study of a Novel Dietary Intervention Targeting Ultra‐Processed Food Intake

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

A Pilot Study of a Novel Dietary Intervention Targeting Ultra‐Processed Food Intake

Charlotte J. Hagerman, Asher E. Hong, Emma Jennings and Meghan L. Butryn

Obesity science & practice, v 10(6), e70029

08 Dec 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/osp4.70029

PMID: 39654611

Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

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Abstract

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Background Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are harmful to health but ubiquitous in the modern food environment, comprising almost 60% of the average American diet. This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a novel behavioral intervention designed to reduce UPF intake. Methods Fourteen adults participated in an 8-week pilot intervention, which consisted of weekly group sessions, individual meal planning sessions, and financial support. Dietary intake was assessed using three Automated Self-Administered 24-h Dietary Recalls (ASA24) at both baseline and post-treatment. Results The intervention was highly feasible and acceptable. Qualitative data demonstrated that participants were enthusiastic about the benefits of reducing UPF intake and found the intervention highly valuable. Participants reduced average daily calories from UPF by 48.9%, number of UPFs consumed by almost half, total daily calorie intake by 612 calories/day, sodium consumption by 37% and sugar consumption by 50%. There were no significant changes in fruit or vegetable intake. Participants lost an average of 3.5 kg (SD = 3.0 kg). Conclusion This pilot data suggests that behavioral interventions to reduce UPF intake will be well-received and are capable of success despite the barriers of the United States food environment. Future research should prioritize behavioral interventions targeting UPF consumption alongside policy changes.

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Title: A Pilot Study of a Novel Dietary Intervention Targeting Ultra‐Processed Food Intake
Creators: Charlotte J. Hagerman (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University
Asher E. Hong - Drexel University
Emma Jennings - Drexel University
Meghan L. Butryn - Drexel University
Publication Details: Obesity science & practice, v 10(6), e70029
Publisher: Wiley
Number of pages: 10
Resource Type: Journal article
Language: English
Academic Unit: Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); WELL Center
Web of Science ID: WOS:001371803300001
Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85211093748
Other Identifier: 991021985086804721