A new study links ultra-processed food consumption in obese children and adolescents to a significant rise in metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, and liver disease, highlighting the urgent need for improved dietary guidelines and public health measures. Study: Association Between Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Metabolic Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Obesity . Image Credit: Discover 4K World/Shutterstockc.
com In a recent study published in Nutrients , researchers examined the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods among obese adolescents and children and the incidence of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, metabolic associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD, and obesity, with the aim of improving public health and dietary guidelines. Background Ultra-processed foods, which are made of highly synthesized and processed ingredients such as sugars, oils, and modified starches, are becoming exceedingly popular worldwide because of their long shelf-life and low preparation requirements. However, most ultra-processed foods have very low nutritional content, such as fibers and vitamins.
They are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, which has raised concerns about their role in triggering metabolic disorders and obesity. Studies have found that ultra-processed foods can cause insulin resistance and inflammation and could potentially contribute to MASLD. While ultra-processed foods are very common in Western diets, As.
