Int J Public Health. 2025 Oct 21;70:1608318. doi: 10.3389/ijph.2025.1608318. eCollection 2025.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study addressed the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) formulated with excess of energy/fats/sugars (hence deemed as unhealthy) and factors associated with it in children and adolescents living in 5 Mediterranean countries participating to the DELICIOUS (UnDErstanding consumer food choices & promotion of healthy and sustainable Mediterranean diet and LIfestyle in Children and adolescents through behavIOUral change actionS) project.
METHODS: A total of 2011 parents of children and adolescents (6-17 years) participated in a survey exploring their children’s frequency consumption of unhealthy UPFs and demographic, eating, and lifestyle habits.
RESULTS: Most children consumed unhealthy UPFs daily: higher intake was associated with being older and with obesity, as well as higher parental education and younger age. Children eating more frequently out of home and with a higher number of meals were also more likely to consume unhealthier UPF. Moreover, more screen time and a lower healthy lifestyle score were associated with higher unhealthy UPF consumption.
CONCLUSION: consumption of unhealthy UPFs seems to be preeminent in children and adolescents living in the Mediterranean area and associated with an overall unhealthy lifestyle.
PMID:41194804 | PMC:PMC12582948 | DOI:10.3389/ijph.2025.1608318
