%0 Journal Article
%@ 1661-8564
%A Rosi, Alice
%A Giampieri, Francesca
%A Abdelkarim, Osama
%A Aly, Mohamed
%A Ammar, Achraf
%A Frias-Toral, Evelyn
%A Pons, Juancho
%A Vázquez-Araújo, Laura
%A Scuderi, Alessandro
%A Decembrino, Nunzia
%A Leonardi, Alice
%A Maniega Legarda, Fernando
%A Monasta, Lorenzo
%A Mata, Ana
%A Chacón, Adrián
%A Busó, Pablo
%A Grosso, Giuseppe
%D 2025
%F unic:17871
%J International Journal of Public Health
%K ultra-processed food (UPF), children and adolescents, mediterranean area, eating habits, lifestyle behaviours
%T Unhealthy Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Children and Adolescents Living in the Mediterranean Area: The DELICIOUS Project
%U http://repositorio.unic.co.ao/id/eprint/17871/
%V 70
%X Objectives: This study addressed the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) formulated with excess of energy/fats/sugars (hence deemed as unhealthy) and factors associated with it in children and adolescents living in 5 Mediterranean countries participating to the DELICIOUS (UnDErstanding consumer food choices & promotion of healthy and sustainable Mediterranean diet and LIfestyle in Children and adolescents through behavIOUral change actionS) project.Methods: A total of 2011 parents of children and adolescents (6–17 years) participated in a survey exploring their children’s frequency consumption of unhealthy UPFs and demographic, eating, and lifestyle habits.Results: Most children consumed unhealthy UPFs daily: higher intake was associated with being older and with obesity, as well as higher parental education and younger age. Children eating more frequently out of home and with a higher number of meals were also more likely to consume unhealthier UPF. Moreover, more screen time and a lower healthy lifestyle score were associated with higher unhealthy UPF consumption.Conclusion: consumption of unhealthy UPFs seems to be preeminent in children and adolescents living in the Mediterranean area and associated with an overall unhealthy lifestyle.