Ultra-processed foods linked to higher risk of obesity in teens

Teens who eat more ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are significantly more likely to be overweight or obese, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in the open-access journal. one more By Mekuriaw Nibret Aweke of the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, and colleagues. In the most recent studies analyzed, high UPF consumption was associated with more than twice the chance of being overweight or obese compared to low UPF consumption.

Being overweight or obese during adolescence increases a person’s chances of developing type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome. The increasing consumption of UPF – defined as industrial products made from extensively extracted, modified or synthetic ingredients, and typically high in added sugars, salt, unhealthy fats and chemical additives – represents one of the fastest growing unhealthy eating patterns among youth worldwide.

In the new study, researchers systematically searched multiple databases for observational studies reporting on UPF consumption and weight outcomes in adolescents aged 10 to 19 years. They identified 23 eligible studies involving a total of 155,000 adolescents, conducted in 16 countries between 2008 and 2025.

In a meta-analysis of all 23 studies, researchers found that teens with high UPF consumption were 63% more likely to be overweight or obese than those with low intake (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.36-1.95). The positive association was consistent across all geographic regions studied, including Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Subgroup analysis by year of publication showed that the most recent studies published in 2024 and 2025 reported the highest odds ratio (OR = 2.09), suggesting that the association may become stronger as UPF consumption increases globally.

Among other aspects, studies are limited by their reliance on observational designs, which cannot establish causation, and variation across studies in how UPF consumption and obesity were measured.

The authors conclude that public health strategies should prioritize reducing UPF consumption among adolescents through education, policy interventions, and promotion of minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods.

The authors say: “High consumption of ultra-processed foods substantially increases the risk of overweight and obesity in adolescents, emphasizing the need for early dietary intervention.”

“Improving adolescent nutrition today is essential to protect long-term population health and reduce health care costs associated with obesity-related conditions.”