Nutritional study warns against misleading “fit” food labels

A Brazilian study has revealed that nutritional marketing terms like “fit” or “fitness” can be misleading. An analysis of 146 products marketed with these labels found that 78.8% were actually ultra-processed foods. Furthermore, 75.4% of the processed and ultra-processed items evaluated contained excessive amounts of critical nutrients, such as sodium or fats, despite their healthy branding.

While there is a growing market trend toward “high protein” products, experts warn that consumers are neglecting other essential nutrients, particularly dietary fiber. Nutritionist Andressa Meira notes that while protein has gained significant visibility in snacks and beverages, fiber intake remains insufficient for many. The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume at least 25 grams of dietary fiber daily, primarily through whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, to maintain a balanced diet.