Recent research from the Universities of Cambridge and Bristol has highlighted that around two-thirds of the daily caloric intake of UK adolescents comes from ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This consumption is notably high among adolescents from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds, those who are white, and younger age groups. Ultra-processed foods use industrial ingredients and methods, often containing additives such as preservatives, sweeteners, colourings, flavourings, and emulsifiers. These foods are typically poor in nutritional quality, featuring high levels of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, while low in fibre, protein, and essential micronutrients. UPFs have been identified as significant contributors to the global rise in major health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
The global trends indicate an increase in the availability and sale of UPFs, correlating with a rise in consumption among adolescents. The researchers aimed to understand this pattern in the UK by analysing four-day food diaries of nearly 3,000 adolescents from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey from 2008/09 to 2018/19. They found that UPFs constituted an average of 66% of the adolescents’ energy intake during this period, with a slight decrease from 68% in 2008/09 to 63% in 2018/19.
The study also examined how factors such as parental occupation, ethnicity, and regional location within the UK influence UPF consumption patterns. Findings showed that adolescents from less affluent backgrounds consumed a higher percentage of their calories from UPFs than those from wealthier backgrounds. Moreover, non-white adolescents had a lower rate of caloric intake from UPFs compared to white adolescents. Geographical differences were also evident, with those living in North England consuming more UPFs than those in South and London. Additionally, the data suggested a decrease in UPF consumption with age, as 18-year-olds consumed a lower percentage of their calories from UPFs compared to 11-year-olds.
The study’s lead author, Dr Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, emphasised that many factors, including home environment, marketing, and peer influence, influence adolescent food choices. She highlighted the importance of adolescence as a critical period for forming long-term dietary habits. She noted that the predominant consumption of UPFs is far from ideal, given their potential adverse health impacts.
Dr Esther van Sluijs and Dr Zoi Toumpakari, joint senior authors, noted that UPFs often provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for time- and income-constrained families, albeit at the cost of poor nutritional value. This, they argued, contributes to the observed health disparities across childhood and adolescence. They hope that the insights gained from this study will help policymakers develop more effective interventions to reduce the consumption of UPFs among youth, aiming to mitigate the negative health impacts associated with these foods and improve public health outcomes.
More information: Irazu Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde et al, Ultra-processed food consumption in UK adolescents: distribution, trends, and sociodemographic correlates using the National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008/09 to 2018/19, European Journal of Nutrition. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03458-z
Journal information: European Journal of Nutrition Provided by University of Cambridge
