Association between depression and ultra-processed food consumption: a population-based study (Vigitel, 2023)

Objectives: To evaluate the association of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption with depression among Brazilian adults (≥18 years).

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Data were obtained from a population-based survey conducted in 2023 (n = 21,690). UPF consumption was investigated using a questionnaire regarding the consumption on the previous day of 13 subgroups of UPF selected from those most consumed in Brazil according to a previous national survey (cutoff score ≥5 subgroups). The medical diagnosis of depression was self-reported. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the adjusted (by sex, age, education, presence of partner/spouse, and overweight) Odds Ratio (aOR) of UPF consumption according to the presence of depression. Analyses were conducted for the total population and stratified by sex.

Results: Medical diagnosis of depression was reported by 12.3%. The prevalence of high UPF consumption (≥5 subgroups) was 17.7%, being higher in men (22.0%) and those with depression (19.3%). Depression increased the chance of presenting a high UPF consumption among the total population (aOR 1.35; CI 95% 1.08-1.68) and women (aOR 1.35; CI 95% 1.03-1.77), with no association among men.

Conclusion: The presence of depression was associated with greater consumption of UPF among Brazilian adults, especially among the female population. Public health actions to reduce UPF consumption could benefit from targeting this population group.