Navigation
The impact of ultra-processed foods and unprocessed or minimally processed foods on the quality of life among adolescents: A longitudinal study from China
This study by Yang et al. (2024) sought to determine how Chinese teenagers’ quality of life (QoL) was related to ultra-processed foods (UPF) and unprocessed or minimally processed meals (UMFs). 3,206 people participated in the study, which included 1,696 females (average age 14.09 ± 1.85) and 1,510 men (average age 13.62 ± 1.69), who completed a baseline survey in 2021 (T1) and a follow-up survey in 2022 (T2). Participants had their QoL assessed using the Quality of Life Scale for Children and Adolescents (QOL-C&A). Participants were asked to recall the foods they consumed in the past week, which were categorized using the NOVA system. The results indicated that fried meals, sugary drinks, and quick noodles had a detrimental impact on the quality of life of teenagers. Snacks or desserts only negatively affected the QoL of girls. On the other hand, all teenagers’ quality of life was improved by processed meats. Girls’ QoL was improved by fast food. Fruits considerably enhanced all teenagers’ quality of life, but the quality of life of female adolescents was especially enhanced by green leafy vegetables, red and orange vegetables, and fish, shrimp, and other seafood. Fresh beef, hog, chicken, and other foods significantly impacted boys’ quality of life. While tubers had a negative effect on boys’ quality of life, soy products had a negative effect on girls. All adolescents’ quality of life was adversely affected by potatoes. This study provides further insight into the relationship between UPF, UMFs, and QoL, offering new perspectives and evidence to help improve adolescents’ QoL. [NPID: Ultra-processed foods, unprocessed, minimally processed foods, quality of life, Chinese adolescents, fixed effects model, gender difference]
Year: 2024
