A recent study published in Nutrients examined the effects of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, sedentary behavior, and overall well-being in adolescent boys and girls. It explored how these factors are linked to the risk of overweight in youth.
Background
Pediatric obesity is becoming a significant public health issue, closely connected to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles. A growing concern is the rising intake of ultra-processed foods, which are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives while being low in essential nutrients. These foods contribute to excessive calorie intake and can lead to negative metabolic effects. Sedentary behaviors, such as prolonged screen time, are common, particularly in Western and Southern European countries, exacerbating the obesity crisis.
To better understand the impact of UPFs on youth health, especially mental well-being, researchers emphasize the need for more precise tools to assess these behaviors and their relationships with obesity.
Study Overview
The study included 245 adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years, from two public high schools in Coimbra and Viseu, Portugal. Among the participants, 131 were boys and 114 were girls, with an average age of 14.2 years.
The researchers measured anthropometric data such as height, weight, and body fat percentage to calculate body mass index (BMI), using guidelines from the International Obesity Task Force. UPF consumption was assessed through a questionnaire about the previous day’s intake. Adolescents also self-reported their sedentary behaviors, detailing time spent on activities like watching TV and using electronic devices during weekdays and weekends. Well-being was measured using mental and physical health scales.
Key Findings
The results revealed that UPF consumption was similar among both boys and girls across all categories. On weekdays, the most common sedentary activities included smartphone use, studying, and personal computer (PC) usage. During weekends, screen time—particularly smartphone and PC use—rose, along with television watching.
Despite similar levels of UPF consumption, significant differences were found in BMI and body fat percentages between the genders. Girls had higher BMI levels and body fat percentages than boys. In terms of sedentary behavior, boys spent more time playing electronic games on weekdays and weekends, while girls spent more time studying and engaging in activities like reading and board games.
Boys also reported higher levels of PC use during weekends. However, in terms of well-being, boys scored better than girls across all dimensions.
Correlation analysis showed that higher UPF consumption, especially sugary drinks and packaged snacks, was linked to increased sedentary behavior, such as TV watching and smartphone use. Conversely, higher UPF intake was negatively associated with time spent studying and body fat percentage.
Interestingly, no direct link was found between UPF consumption and well-being.
Logistic Regression Results
Further statistical analysis showed that while UPF consumption was associated with a higher risk of being overweight, the association was marginally significant (p = 0.06 to 0.09). Adolescents with mothers who had higher education levels were less likely to be overweight or obese. Additionally, increased weekend PC use was linked to a higher likelihood of being overweight.
Conclusions
This study found no gender differences in UPF consumption, which aligns with some international studies. While UPF consumption was marginally associated with an increased risk of overweight, it was notably linked to more sedentary behavior, such as screen time.
The study also highlighted the role of socio-economic factors, particularly parental education. Adolescents whose mothers had higher educational levels were less likely to be overweight or obese.
These findings underscore the complex relationship between diet, sedentary lifestyle, and socio-economic factors in shaping adolescent health. Further research is needed to explore how these factors interact and to develop strategies for tackling adolescent obesity.
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