Ultra-processed food consumption and its effects on anthropometric and glucose profile: A longitudinal study during childhood.

•Daily energy provided by consuming ultra-processed foods was 42.0% ± 8.7 at preschool age and 47.8% ± 8.9 at school age.•Total ultra-processed food consumption at preschool age was a predictor of an increase in WC from preschool to school age.•For every 10% increase in energy intake from ultra-processed foods at preschool age, delta WC (from 4 to 8 years old) increased by 0.7 cm.•No association between ultra-processed food consumption at 4 years old and glucose profile at 8 years old was observed.•The negative effect of ultra-processed foods consumption on WC at 8 years old may be a risk for glucose metabolism later.