Ultra-processed foods in the diet of people living with human immunodeficiency virus and metabolic risk

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62827/nb.v24i4.3077

Keywords:

Processed; Anthropometry; Physiological; HIV; Antiretroviral Therapy.

Abstract

Introduction: Research suggests that fat accumulation in the upper body in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), along with poor diet and unhealthy lifestyles, contribute to increased mortality from chronic noncommunicable diseases in this population. However, investigations covering the consumption of ultra-processed foods by these individuals are scarce. Objective: We evaluated the dietary consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in people with HIV and investigated the possible association with metabolic risk. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 200 adults with HIV. Demographic and clinical data were collected using forms and medical records. Food consumption was investigated using a 24-hour recall, with foods grouped according to their level of processing using the NOVA classification. Metabolic risk was investigated based on neck circumference (NC), which was classified as “normal” or “increased. Results: Consumption of ultra-processed foods was significant (17.37% of dietary calories), with a notable intake of cookies, snacks, sausages, and soft drinks. There was a high prevalence of individuals at metabolic risk, at 29.5% (N=59). Individuals with increased CP also had higher proportions of overweight (98.31%; p<0.001). Despite the high prevalence, metabolic risk was independent of ultra-processed food consumption in this study, with no statistical association between its energy contribution and neck circumference (p>0.05). Conclusion: High consumption of ultra-processed foods and high proportions of overweight and metabolically at-risk individuals indicate the need for nutritional intervention in people with HIV to prevent chronic diseases.

Author Biographies

  • Kevilly da Silva Ramos, UFPI

    Graduada pela Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, PI, Brasil

  • Carlos Alessandro Santos Machado, UFPI

    Graduado em Nutrição pela Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, PI, Brasil

  • Iara Katrynne Fonsêca Oliveira , UFPI

    Graduada pela Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, PI, Brasil

  • Marillya Oliveira Sousa, UFPI

    Graduada pela Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, PI, Brasil

  • Adriana de Azevedo Paiva, UFPI

    Graduada em Nutrição pela Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, PI, Brasil

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Published

2026-01-07

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Section

Artigos originais

How to Cite

Ultra-processed foods in the diet of people living with human immunodeficiency virus and metabolic risk. (2026). Nutrição Brasil, 24(4), 1648-1660. https://doi.org/10.62827/nb.v24i4.3077