CONSUMPTION OF ULTRA-PROCESSED BY CHILDREN WITH OBESITY: VALIDATION OF THE NOVA SCORE IN THE CONTEXT OF PHC

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36489/saudecoletiva.2026v17i109p20384-20401

Keywords:

Childhood obesity, Ultra-processed foods, Food consumption, Primary health care, Validation study

Abstract

Objective: To describe the NOVA score for ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and to evaluate its performance in reflecting their participation in the diet of children with obesity receiving care in Primary Health Care (PHC). Methods: Validation study using data from a randomized clinical trial conducted in Betim (MG), involving 167 children with obesity receiving care in PHC. A 24-hour dietary recall and a UPF consumption questionnaire were applied. The NOVA score was calculated to estimate UPF consumption, and its association with the participation of these foods in the diet was analyzed using linear regression and the Pabak agreement index. Results: A significant linear association was observed between the NOVA score and the participation of UPF in the total caloric value of the diet, with substantial agreement between classifications. Conclusion: The NOVA score is a practical and valid tool to enhance food surveillance and support the management of childhood obesity.

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Published

2026-06-19

How to Cite

Gaglianone Lemos, G., Lara Rocha, L., Silva Canella, D., Silva do Carmo, A., Porto Oliveira, E., Martínez Arroyo, Ángela, Zogbi Jardim, M., & Loures Mendes, L. (2026). CONSUMPTION OF ULTRA-PROCESSED BY CHILDREN WITH OBESITY: VALIDATION OF THE NOVA SCORE IN THE CONTEXT OF PHC. Sa´úde Coletiva (Barueri), 17(109), 20384–20401. https://doi.org/10.36489/saudecoletiva.2026v17i109p20384-20401

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Original Article