Ultra-processed food consumption and the risk of overweight and obesity in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mekuriaw Nibret Aweke, Habtamu Wagnew Abuhay, Miteku Andualem Limenih, Anas Ali Alhur, Nebebe Demis Baykemagn, Gebrie Getu Alemu, Makda Fekadie Tewelgne and Tirualem Zeleke Yehuala

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 4, 1-23

Abstract: Introduction: Overweight and obesity during early life increase the risk of premature morbidity and mortality. Adolescent obesity raises the likelihood of developing cardiovascular risk factors, including prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. Sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets are major contributors, with one of the fastest-growing unhealthy eating patterns being the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). No systematic review and meta-analysis has specifically examined the association between UPF consumption and overweight/obesity in adolescents. Objective: To systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of available evidence on the association between UPF consumption and overweight or obesity among adolescents. Methods: We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, HINARI, Google, and Google Scholar for primary studies reporting UPF consumption and overweight/obesity outcomes in adolescents, without restrictions on language or study period. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochrane’s Q test and the I² statistic. Publication bias and small-study effects were assessed using Egger’s regression test (p

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0344873

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0344873

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