AUG 8, 2026 · JOURNAL ARTICLE
Ultra Processed Food Consumption and Adolescent Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review
African Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics
Systematic review with GRADE assessment across five databases showing consistent associations between UPF consumption and multiple adverse health outcomes (diet quality, micronutrient adequacy, depressive symptoms, overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome) in adolescents, with effect sizes reported for key outcomes.
Reported
UPF contribution to total energy…20–60%
Odds ratio for overweight/obesity…1.4–1.8
Odds ratio for metabolic syndrome1.8