AUTHOR=Rosi Alice , Giampieri Francesca , Abdelkarim Osama , Aly Mohamed , Ammar Achraf , Frias-Toral Evelyn , Pons Juancho , Vázquez-Araújo Laura , Scuderi Alessandro , Decembrino Nunzia , Leonardi Alice , Maniega Legarda Fernando , Monasta Lorenzo , Mata Ana , Chacón Adrián , Busó Pablo , Grosso Giuseppe 

TITLE=Unhealthy Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Children and Adolescents Living in the Mediterranean Area: The DELICIOUS Project

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 70 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2025.1608318

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2025.1608318

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=ObjectivesThis 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsMost 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.Conclusionconsumption of unhealthy UPFs seems to be preeminent in children and adolescents living in the Mediterranean area and associated with an overall unhealthy lifestyle.