Ultra-Processed Foods and Drinks Consumption Is Associated with Psychosocial Functioning in Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescents show one of the highest rates of ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPF) consumption, and studies indicate an association between their consumption and internalizing problems. We aim to investigate whether UPF consumption associates with dysfunctions in other psychosocial domains, as well as sex effects. In 560 Spanish adolescents (14–17 years old), we assessed the UPF products consumed in the previous day, fruits and vegetables consumption (servings/day), and physical activity (days/week). Psychosocial functioning (total and subscales) was assessed through the Pediatric Symptom Checklist–Youth self-report. Associations between UPF and psychosocial functioning were assessed using linear regression models, adjusting for sex, age, fruits and vegetables consumption, and physical activity. Sex-specific associations were also explored. Participants reported a daily consumption of 7.72 UPF servings per day, with male adolescents showing higher consumption than female adolescents. Consumption of fruits and vegetables and physical activity levels were lower than recommended. Psychosocial impairment was present in 26.2% of the participants. Higher UPF consumption was associated with higher presence of depressive symptoms and internalizing and externalizing problems in the whole sample and in male adolescents. The present study supports previous studies suggesting that UPF consumption may interact with mental health problems and indicates that these effects may go beyond internalizing problems.

Perspective on the consumption of ultra-processed foods among university students

“…In the Australian market, much of the products contain very little proportion of vegetables and tend to the consumption of highly processed foods so campaigns are required to increase the consumption of vegetables and legumes [13] as there is evidence from research that people who consume these ultra -processed foods are affected in fertility (in males) [18] and the results indicate that there is a higher consumption of ultra -processed foods in male adolescents than in female adolescents, while the intake of vegetables and fruits in adolescents is very frequent in the female sex accompanied by physical activity , in addition, adolescents with higher consumption of ultra -processed foods presented psychological problems such as depression and variation in their behavior [19].…”

“…The consumption of ultraprocessed foods is constantly growing, along with the health problems they cause [18]. In adolescents, there is a high rate of consumption of ultra -processed foods, which brings with it behavioral and emotional pro blems and, therefore, damage to themselves [19]. In the same way, the consumption of ultra-processed foods can pose a high risk of negative effects o n t h e health of mothers and infants [20].…”

Variables Associated with Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption among Brazilian Adolescents: A Systematic Review

“…Complementarily, as the synthesis was elaborated from data available among the studies developed in the country, it is suggested that future studies investigating the possible associations between interpersonal, environmental, and political variables and the consumption of ultra-processed foods among Brazilian adolescents, understanding the multidimensional effects of behavior, are conducted. For example, international research suggests associations between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and mental health problems [48], cardiovascular health [49], and lower quality of diet [50].…”

Predicting food waste in households with children: socio-economic and food-related behavior factors

“…In addition to the method of selling products, the presence of ultra-processed food items such as unhealthy snacks, frozen pizza, ice cream, and flavored yogurt in supermarkets has been indicated as a reason for food waste generation at home. Indeed, consuming these products, particularly appreciated by adolescents and young children ( 51 ), can compete with healthy product products such as fruits and vegetables served during mealtimes. Graham-Rowe et al ( 20 ) showed that some parents frequently over-portion dinner for children to discourage eating unhealthy snacks, which could lead to significant food waste.…”