Ultra-processed food consumption and the risk of overweight and obesity in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Aweke MN, Abuhay HW, Limenih MA, Alhur AA, Baykemagn ND, Alemu GG, Tewelgne MF, Yehuala TZ
PloS one · 4 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Meta-analysis (indexed by PubMed)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
- Intake measured by
- Not stated
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
Based on full-text disclosure statement.
Publication
- Published
- 2026-04-15 · PLoS One · vol. 21 · issue 4 · p. e0344873
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
- Cited
- 3 citations · more than 98% of similar papers · 8.9× the field average
- Impact
- Top 10% most cited in its field
- References
- 61 works
- Access
- Open access (journal) · CC-BY
- Research areas
- Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling · Consumer Packaging Perceptions and Trends · Health, Technology, Consumer Behavior
- Keywords
- Overweight, Obesity, Odds, Consumption (sociology), Public health, Odds ratio, Health promotion
- MeSH
- humans, risk factors, adolescent, female, male, overweight, fast foods, pediatric obesity
8 authors
From ET, SA
- Mekuriaw Nibret AwekeUniversity of Gondar
- Habtamu Wagnew AbuhayUniversity of Gondar
- Miteku Andualem LimenihUniversity of Gondar
- Anas AlhurImam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
- Nebebe Demis BaykemagnUniversity of Gondar
- Gebrie Getu AlemuUniversity of Gondar
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.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY).
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