(P07-013-25) Ultra-Processed Foods in Adolescent Obesity Prevention: Scoping Review of the Current Evidence

Objectives: The escalating consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among adolescents presents a paramount public health issue, with numerous studies suggesting a robust association between UPF intake and obesity risk. Despite the rising prevalence of adolescent obesity, interventions tackling consumption of UPFs remain underexplored. This study aims to map the extent and nature of adolescent obesity interventions that incorporate UPFs as a strategy to enhance food literacy and promote reductions in UPF intake, to assess efficacy, and identify common themes.

Methods: A literature search was conducted across nine databases from January to May 2024. PRISMA-ScR guided the selection process according to the inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed articles, published in English or Portuguese between 2010 and 2024, involving single or multi-component interventions, targeting adolescents 10-19 years, and addressing UPFs using the NOVA classification. Review articles and grey literature were excluded.

Results: Of 4149 articles identified, 18 were included. Most of the interventions aimed at secondary obesity prevention (55%), were conducted in Brazil (72%) during a short-term period (12 weeks) and in a variety of settings. Nearly all interventions (94%) implemented education, and most excluded calorie restriction (78%) and prioritized food quality. A few (33%) highlighted UPFs’ nutrient content while most focused on processing levels and NOVA (67%).  Most interventions were effective (89%) reporting positive outcomes on UPF literacy, intake, and anthropometry. Emerging themes included conceptual design frameworks; digital technology; family support and environment; food labels and marketing. Future investigation is needed to examine gender differences, specific elements most significantly contributing to healthy eating habits, and family participation influence on outcomes.

Conclusions: UPFs-focused interventions reported positive outcomes. The use of technology and education on food labels and advertising strategies emerged as critical components of interventions aimed at fostering adolescent behavior change and reducing UPF intake.

Funding Sources: No external funding was received.