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UK Teenagers and Ultra-Processed Foods: New Study Findings
Recent research shows that UK teenagers get two-thirds of their calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This high consumption raises concerns due to the health risks associated with UPFs, such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
What are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods include items like sweetened yogurts, margarine, cereal bars, chicken nuggets, and energy drinks. These foods are highly processed and often contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
Study Overview
Researchers analyzed data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey, covering the years 2008 to 2019. The study involved 2,991 adolescents aged 11 to 18, who recorded all food and drinks consumed over four days. The aim was to measure the amount of UPFs consumed and to identify factors associated with their consumption.
Key Findings
- High UPF Consumption
- UK adolescents get about 66% of their daily calories from UPFs.
- On average, they consume 861 grams of UPFs daily.
- Social and Demographic Differences
- Younger adolescents (e.g., 13-year-olds) consume more UPFs (68% of calories) compared to older teens (e.g., 18-year-olds, 63% of calories).
- Adolescents from more disadvantaged backgrounds consume more UPFs.
- White adolescents consume more UPFs (67% of calories) compared to non-white adolescents (59% of calories).
- Those living in the north of England consume more UPFs (67% of calories) compared to those in the south, including London (64% of calories).
- Gender and Weight Differences
- Male adolescents consume more UPFs (941 grams daily) compared to females (776 grams daily).
- Adolescents with obesity consume more UPFs (924 grams) than those who aren’t obese (841 grams).
- Yearly Trends
- UPF consumption has slightly decreased over the years. In 2008-09, adolescents consumed 68% of their calories from UPFs, whereas in 2018-19, they consumed 65%.
Post-Pandemic Data Needed
The study data ends in 2019, so the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UPF consumption is unknown. Future data will help understand any changes in dietary habits post-pandemic.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Addressing the high consumption of UPFs among adolescents is crucial. Since dietary habits formed during adolescence often continue into adulthood, it’s important to involve young people in developing strategies to reduce UPF consumption. Efforts could include improving school food quality and increasing access to minimally processed foods.
