Consumption of ultra-processed foods and its impact on body composition in adolescents aged 15 to 17 at the Sagrada Familia Educational Unit

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62305/biosana.v6i1.937

Keywords:

Ultra-processed foods; body composition; abdominal circumference; overall adiposity; intake

Abstract

Introduction: The consumption of ultra-processed foods has become a dietary factor in Ecuadorian school culture, promoting imbalances in the anthropometric profile of adolescents, increasing cardiometabolic risk and the incidence of childhood overweight and obesity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ultra-processed food consumption on the body composition of adolescents aged 15 to 17 years at the Sagrada Familia Educational Unit. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using Pearson's correlational analysis and a multiple linear regression model, evaluating ultra-processed food consumption and explaining positive correlations and significance with anthropometric variables. Results: 154 adolescent patients from the same educational unit were evaluated using descriptive analysis, significance testing, and correlation, considering the components of body composition and human anthropometrics. The correlation showed a positive proportional trend between an increase in the percentage of relative adiposity and weight with increasing intake of ultra-processed foods. Discussion: This study evaluated the correlation between the impact of ultra-processed food consumption on body composition and anthropometrics. A gradual deterioration in various indicators was found with increasing consumption of these substrates. Relative adiposity levels increased proportionally, accompanied by a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in abdominal circumference, which leads to a percentage increase in future cardiometabolic risk. Conclusions: A high consumption of ultra-processed foods negatively impacts body composition by increasing weight, overall adiposity, and decreasing muscle tissue.

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References

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Published

2026-01-25

How to Cite

Lizano Mamallacta, M. E., & Celi Torres, D. E. (2026). Consumption of ultra-processed foods and its impact on body composition in adolescents aged 15 to 17 at the Sagrada Familia Educational Unit. BIOSANA Health Scientific Journal. ISSN 2960-8481, 6(1), 44–51. https://doi.org/10.62305/biosana.v6i1.937

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