Unhealthy ultra-processed food consumption in children and adolescents living in the Mediterranean area: The DELICIOUS Project

This research examines the consumption patterns of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) high in energy, fats, and sugars among children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years in five Mediterranean countries as part of the DELICIOUS project. A total of 2011 parents participated in a survey assessing their children’s frequency of UPF consumption, along with demographic and lifestyle variables. Findings indicate that a significant proportion of children consume unhealthy UPFs daily. Increased consumption is notably associated with older age, obesity, higher levels of parental education, and younger age of the children. Additionally, those who eat out more frequently and have more meals are more likely to engage in higher UPF consumption. Lifestyle factors, such as increased screen time and lower healthy lifestyle scores, also correlate with this unhealthy dietary pattern. In conclusion, the prevalent consumption of unhealthy UPFs among Mediterranean children and adolescents is linked to an overall unhealthy lifestyle, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. [NPID: Mediterranean, children, ultra-processed, lifestyle, dietary patterns, consumption]

Year: 2025

Reference: Rosi A, Giampieri F, Abdelkarim O, Aly M, Ammar A, Frias-Toral E, Pons J, Vázquez-Araújo L, Scuderi A, Decembrino N, Leonardi A, Maniega Legarda F, Monasta L, Mata A, Chacón A, Busó P and Grosso G (2025). Unhealthy Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Children and Adolescents Living in the Mediterranean Area: The DELICIOUS Project. Int. J. Public Health 70:1608318. doi: 10.3389/ijph.2025.1608318