Ultra-processed food consumption and the risk of overweight and obesity in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | Adolescents (typically aged 10-19 years) |
| I — Intervention | Higher ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption |
| C — Comparator | Lower ultra-processed food consumption |
| O — Outcomes | Overweight and obesity prevalence/risk |
Bottom Line
This meta-analysis of 23 studies involving 155,000 adolescents demonstrates a significant association between higher ultra-processed food consumption and increased risk of overweight/obesity (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.36-1.95). While the large sample size strengthens the findings, the review lacks detailed methodology and evidence quality assessment. The 63% increased odds represents a clinically meaningful association that supports current dietary guidelines recommending reduced processed food intake. However, the observational nature of included studies limits causal inference. Australian clinicians should consider these findings when counselling adolescent patients and families about dietary patterns, particularly given the high prevalence of UPF consumption among Australian youth. The evidence supports targeted public health interventions and individual dietary counselling to reduce UPF intake as part of comprehensive obesity prevention strategies.
Key Findings
P Value: Not reported in abstract
Effect Size: OR = 1.63
Primary Outcome: Overweight or obesity in adolescents
Nnt Or Sensitivity: 63% increased odds of overweight/obesity with higher UPF consumption
Confidence Interval: 95% CI: 1.36-1.95
Clinical Application
Dietary counselling and public health interventions are feasible in Australian healthcare settings Relevant to Australian adolescent health given high UPF consumption rates. Aligns with NHMRC dietary guidelines and could inform school-based nutrition programs and GP adolescent health checks Adolescents aged 10-19 years in various healthcare settings
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obesity during early life increase the risk of premature morbidity and mortality. Adolescent obesity raises the likelihood of developing cardiovascular risk factors, including prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. Sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets are major contributors, with one of the fastest-growing unhealthy eating patterns being the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). No systematic review and meta-analysis has specifically examined the association between UPF consumption and overweight/obesity in adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of available evidence on the association between UPF consumption and overweight or obesity among adolescents. METHODS: We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, HINARI, Google, and Google Scholar for primary studies reporting UPF consumption and overweight/obesity outcomes in adolescents, without restrictions on language or study period. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochrane's Q test and the I² statistic. Publication bias and small-study effects were assessed using Egger's regression test (p < 0.05). A random-effects model estimated pooled associations. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies involving 155,000 adolescents were included. Adolescents with higher UPF consumption had 63% greater odds of overweight or obesity compared with those with lower intake (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.36-1.95). CONCLUSION: High UPF consumption is associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity among adolescents. Public health strategies targeting reduced UPF intake and promotion of healthier diets should be prioritized to prevent adolescent overweight/obesity and associated health risks.
References
- 1.Aweke, M. N., Abuhay, H. W., Limenih, M. A., Alhur, A. A., Baykemagn, N. D., Alemu, G. G., Tewelgne, M. F., & Yehuala, T. Z. (2024). Ultra-processed food consumption and the risk of overweight and obesity in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0344873
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