Examining the influence of socio-economic factors on ultra-processed food consumption patterns of UK adolescents.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption varies with socio-economic status (SES) in adults, and evidence suggests that similar patterns exist in adolescents. However, the relationship remains understudied in this critical developmental group. This study aimed to further characterise adolescent UPF consumption and its relationship with SES by exploring dietary patterns within UPF consumption.

Design

Using food-diary data, adolescents' UPF intake was quantified and categorised. Principal component and clustering analysis were used to identify dietary patterns. Associations of these dietary patterns with socio-demographic characteristics were then analysed.

Setting

Pooled data from the rolling, cross-sectional National Diet and Nutrition Survey, waves 1-to-11 (20

SUBMITTER: Brody R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12516625 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature