Ultra‐processed food consumption and obesity among children and adolescents in China—Findings from China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors' conclusion
Higher long-term UPF consumption was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity among children and adolescents in China.
Study context
- Population
- Children and adolescents aged 6–18 years participating at least twice in the China Nutrition and Health Survey; mean age 9.3 years
- Participants
- 3,437 children
- Exposure
- Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption categories
- Outcome
- Overweight/obesity by international age- and sex-specific BMI cut-offs
Methodological detailsmixed effect logistic regression, adjusted for socio-demographic, economic, behavioural, dietary and health factors
- Mixed effect logistic regression
- Adjusted for socio-demographic, economic, behavioural, dietary and health factors
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Overweight/obesity (BMI)
Each group vs 0 g/dayAdjusted odds ratio (95% CI)P value
1-49 g/day
1.38(0.98–1.94)
50-99 g/day
2.01(1.25–3.24)
≥ 100 g/day
1.53(0.82–2.86)
P = 0.013for trendObservational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | aOR (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central obesity (WC)1-49 g/dayvs 0 g/day | 1.84 (1.30–2.60) | ||
| Central obesity (WC)50-99 g/dayvs 0 g/day | 2.13 (1.30–3.48) | ||
| Central obesity (WC)≥ 100 g/dayvs 0 g/day | 2.15 (1.14–4.05) | P for trend < 0.001 | |
| 0.20.5125Adjusted odds ratio (log scale) |
- Central obesity (waist circumference (WC)): Reference 0 g/day OR 1.00
Mean daily UPF consumption · 1997 to 2011
- Mean daily UPF consumption increased from 9.7 in 1997 to 60.0 g in 2011
- 9.7 → 60.0 grams
Original publication
Ultra‐processed food consumption and obesity among children and adolescents in China—Findings from China Health and Nutrition Survey. Pediatr Obes. Published 12 March 2025. doi:10.
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