Ultra-processed food consumption in UK adolescents: distribution, trends, and sociodemographic correlates using the National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008/09 to 2018/19

BackgroundThe consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has been proposed as a key driver of the global rise in non-communicable diseases. Evidence from several countries suggests that adolescents are the highest consumers. This study examined UPF consumption in a representative sample of UK adolescents. MethodsWe used data from 4-day food diaries from adolescents (11-18y) in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008/09-2018/19) (n=3,270). UPF were identified using the NOVA classification. We estimated the percentage of Total Energy Intake (%TEI) and the absolute weight (grams). Linear regression models quantified differences in UPF consumption across survey years and its association with participants individual characteristics. ResultsMean UPF consumption was 861 (SD 442) g/d and this accounted for 65.9% (SD 13.4%) of TEI. Between 2008 and 2019, mean UPF consumption decreased from 996 to 776 g/d [-211 (95%CI: -302;-120)] and from 67.7% to 62.8% of TEI [-4.8% (95%CI:-8.1;-1.5)]. Higher %TEI was consumed by adolescents with lower socioeconomic status; white ethnicity and living in England North. A higher weight of UPF consumption was associated with being male, white, age 18y, having parents with routine or manual occupation, living in England North, and living with obesity. Discussion and conclusionAverage energy intake from UPF has decreased over a decade in UK adolescents. We observed a social and regional patterning of UPF consumption, with higher consumption among adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, from a white ethnicity and living in England North. Our findings suggest a relationship between individual characteristics and UPF consumption by UK adolescents.