A recent study published in Nutrients has highlighted the concerning impact of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption on weight gain and overall well-being among adolescents. The research, conducted by a team of scientists, investigated the relationships between UPF intake, sedentary behaviors, and mental health in a sample of Portuguese adolescents.
Pediatric obesity is an escalating public health issue, closely tied to dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles, particularly the rising consumption of UPFs among young people. These foods, characterized by high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and various additives, are often low in essential nutrients, leading to excessive calorie intake and adverse metabolic effects. Sedentary behaviors, which are notably prevalent in Western nations, exacerbate this problem.
The study involved 245 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (average age 14.2), recruited from two public high schools in Coimbra and Viseu, Portugal. Researchers collected anthropometric data, including height, weight, and body fat percentage, to calculate body mass index (BMI) according to the International Obesity Task Force guidelines.
Participants completed a questionnaire assessing their UPF consumption over the previous day using the NOVA-UPF screener, while sedentary behaviors were self-reported, detailing time spent on activities such as watching television and using electronic devices. The study also measured well-being through the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form and the physical well-being subscale of the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire. Parental education levels served as indicators of socioeconomic status.
The analysis revealed that among the girls, 17.5% were classified as overweight and 7.9% as obese; for boys, these figures were 15.3% and 3.1%, respectively. Interestingly, the level of UPF consumption was similar among both sexes across various food categories, regardless of whether the consumption was evaluated based on a 24-hour recall or outside the home.
Sedentary behaviors varied: during weekdays, adolescents primarily engaged in smartphone use, studying, and personal computer activities, while weekends saw increased time spent on smartphones, PCs, and watching television. Although no significant differences in UPF consumption were found between boys and girls, girls exhibited higher BMI and body fat percentages.
Boys reported more time spent on personal computers during weekends and playing electronic games, while girls engaged more in studying and reading during both weekdays and weekends. Notably, boys scored higher in all dimensions of well-being compared to girls.
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. Additionally, UPF consumption outside the home correlated with total sedentary time during weekends.
Logistic regression analyses suggested a marginal association between UPF consumption and an increased risk of being overweight, although this was not statistically significant. Conversely, adolescents with mothers who had higher educational levels were less likely to be classified as overweight or obese. Increased weekend computer use was also linked to a higher likelihood of being overweight.
Conclusions
This study found no significant gender differences in UPF consumption, aligning with some international research findings. While UPF intake was marginally associated with a higher risk of overweight, it was significantly linked to increased sedentary behaviors. Additionally, adolescents with mothers who had higher educational attainment were less likely to be overweight or obese. Importantly, no significant associations were observed between UPF consumption and dimensions of well-being.
These results underscore the complex interplay of dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and socioeconomic factors in adolescent obesity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.
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