%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.
%J International Journal of Public Health
%T Unhealthy Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Children and Adolescents Living in the Mediterranean Area: The DELICIOUS Project
%L unic17871
%R doi:10.3389/ijph.2025.1608318
%A Alice Rosi
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Osama Abdelkarim
%A Mohamed Aly
%A Achraf Ammar
%A Evelyn Frias-Toral
%A Juancho Pons
%A Laura Vázquez-Araújo
%A Alessandro Scuderi
%A Nunzia Decembrino
%A Alice Leonardi
%A Fernando Maniega Legarda
%A Lorenzo Monasta
%A Ana Mata
%A Adrián Chacón
%A Pablo Busó
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%D 2025
%K ultra-processed food (UPF), children and adolescents, mediterranean area, eating habits, lifestyle
behaviours