A new study published in Nutrients has found that the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with weight gain and lower well-being among adolescents. This research highlights the interplay between diet, screen time, and maternal education in influencing adolescent health.
Pediatric obesity has become a pressing public health issue, driven by unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. The rising intake of UPFs, which are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives but low in essential nutrients, is contributing to excessive caloric consumption and negative metabolic consequences. Sedentary behaviors, particularly prevalent in Western and Southern European countries, exacerbate this problem.
There is a critical need for precise assessment tools to evaluate the impact of UPF consumption on obesity and overall well-being in youth, including potential effects on mental health. Ongoing research is essential to unravel these complex relationships and develop effective interventions.
The study involved 245 Portuguese adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years (mean age 14.20 ± 1.09), recruited from two public high schools in the Coimbra and Viseu districts. The sample included 131 boys and 114 girls.
Researchers collected anthropometric data, including height, weight, and body fat percentage, to calculate body mass index (BMI) according to International Obesity Task Force guidelines. UPF consumption was assessed using the NOVA-UPF screener, which evaluates intake over the previous day. Sedentary behaviors were self-reported, focusing on time spent on activities such as watching television and using electronic devices.
Well-being was measured using the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form and the physical well-being subscale of the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire. Parental education levels were used as indicators of socioeconomic status.
The study adhered to ethical guidelines and received approval from relevant authorities, with informed consent obtained from participants and their guardians.
Among the adolescents, 17.5% of girls were classified as overweight and 7.9% as obese, while 15.3% of boys were overweight and 3.1% were obese. The researchers found no significant differences in UPF consumption between boys and girls, who consumed similar amounts across various food categories.
During weekdays, common sedentary activities included smartphone use, studying, and using personal computers. On weekends, adolescents reported increased time spent on smartphones, computers, and watching television.
While there were no significant differences in UPF consumption between genders, girls had higher BMI levels and body fat percentages than boys, with both differences being statistically significant (p < 0.001). Boys engaged in more personal computer use and electronic gaming than girls, while girls dedicated more time to studying and reading.
Correlation analyses indicated that UPF consumption, particularly sugary drinks and yogurts, was positively associated with increased screen time and negatively associated with body fat percentage and study time. Logistic regression analyses suggested a marginal association between UPF consumption and an increased risk of being overweight (p = 0.06 to 0.09).
Importantly, adolescents with mothers who had higher educational levels were less likely to be classified as overweight or obese (odds ratio = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70–0.98, p = 0.02). Increased personal computer use on weekends was linked to a higher likelihood of being overweight (odds ratio = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–1.00, p = 0.04).
Conclusions
The study found no significant gender differences in UPF consumption, aligning with some international research. Although there was a marginal association between UPF consumption and a higher risk of overweight, it was significantly related to increased sedentary behavior, particularly screen time.
Adolescents with mothers who had higher levels of education were less likely to be overweight or obese, emphasizing the impact of socioeconomic factors on adolescent health. Notably, no significant associations were found between UPF consumption and well-being dimensions.
These findings highlight the complex interplay of dietary habits, sedentary behavior, and socioeconomic factors in the context of adolescent obesity, calling for targeted interventions to address these issues.
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