Ultra-Processed Foods and Adolescent Health

Ultra-Processed Foods and Adolescent Health

     British adolescents consume around two-thirds of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which may increase the risk of poor health, according to new research. UPFs include manufactured substances such as emulsifiers, preservatives, sweeteners, and flavorings, which are linked to rising obesity, type-2 diabetes, and cancer.

     The study, conducted by scientists at the universities of Cambridge and Bristol, analyzed food diaries from nearly 3,000 adolescents in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey between 2008/09 and 2018/19. Results, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, show that on average, 66% of adolescents' energy intake came from UPFs, with a slight decrease from 68% to 63% over the decade.

     Consumption varied significantly between groups. Adolescents from deprived backgrounds had a higher intake of UPFs, accounting for 68% of their energy intake, compared to 63% in those from privileged backgrounds. White adolescents consumed 67% of calories from UPFs, while those from ethnically diverse communities consumed 59%. Geographically, adolescents in the north of England had a higher UPF intake (67%) compared to those in London and the South (64%).

     Lead author Dr. Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge highlighted the influence of home environment, marketing, and peer pressure on adolescents' food choices. "Adolescence is a critical time when behaviors become ingrained, and our findings show that UPFs make up the majority of adolescents' diets, which is concerning given their potential negative health impacts," she said.

     UPFs are controversial, with some scientists arguing they distract from traditional dietary advice to avoid foods high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt. However, others emphasize that UPFs, including ready meals with non-kitchen ingredients, offer convenient and often cheaper solutions for time- and income-poor families, despite their poor nutritional value.

     Dr. Esther van Sluijs, another researcher, noted that the convenience and affordability of UPFs contribute to health inequalities observed in childhood and adolescence. The findings support calls for an overhaul of junk food marketing, as promised by the new Health Secretary Wes Streeting.