The impact of ultra-processed foods on obesity and cardiometabolic comorbidities in children and adolescents: a systematic review.

This systematic review examines the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and overweight/obesity as well as cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents aged 2–18 years. Based on 17 observational studies from multiple countries, most evidence indicates that higher UPF intake is positively associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity and cardiometabolic comorbidities such as dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome in this population. The review highlights the use of the NOVA classification system to define UPFs and notes variability in dietary assessment methods and study designs. While the majority of studies show consistent associations, some report no or inverse relationships, underscoring the need for further longitudinal research to clarify specific UPF types and intake thresholds that contribute to health risks and to inform public health policies.