Ultra-processed foods have become a significant part of many children’s diets, and it may come as no surprise that such foods come with a cost. This cross-sectional study looked at 1,426 children aged three to six, with a median age of 5.8 years.
Researchers categorized the children into three groups according to their levels of ultra-processed food consumption. The findings revealed that children who consumed the highest amount of ultra-processed foods were more likely to exhibit risk factors such as elevated body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and systolic blood pressure. The study highlights the link between ultra-processed food consumption by children and thier future cardiometabolic health.
According to the study, excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can delay the feeling of fullness, leading to eating more calories, and that many ultra-processed foods are designed to cause a quick spike in blood sugar. Excess calories, saturated fat, and sugar will often lead to weight gain and a higher chance of obesity—a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The study also pointed out that children who eat large amounts of ultra-processed foods tend to take in fewer fruits and vegetables, which are known to be beneficial for cardiometabolic health.
Unlike adults, who use calories as a source of energy for physical activity, children and adolescents are still growing and need energy from nutritious food for their developing bodies and organs. Therefo.