[Research progress on the association between ultra-processed food consumption and cardio-metabolic risk factors in...

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are manufactured from processed ingredients using techniques such as extrusion, hydrogenation, and hydroxylation. With their attractive packaging and convenience, UPF have gained popularity among adolescents and are even reshaping global dietary patterns. However, UPF are energy-dense, rich in additives, and lacking essential nutrients. Frequent consumption of UPF contributes to poor dietary quality in adolescents and has been linked to the onset and clustering of cardio-metabolic risk factors (CMRF). These CMRF not only increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) during adolescence but also significantly elevate the risk of CVD in adulthood. CVD remains the leading cause of disease burden worldwide. This review aims to review the global literature on adolescent UPF consumption, CMRF, their interrelationships, and underlying mechanisms to provide evidence for developing health education strategies to reduce UPF intake and prevent CVD among adolescents.