ESPA Virginia Tech study shows that ultra-processed foods may influence adolescents differently from slightly older young adults. Participants aged 18 to 21 ate more at a buffet and snacked even when not hungry after two weeks on an ultra-processed diet. Because eating without hunger predicts future weight gain, these findings hint at a heightened vulnerability during late adolescence.
An analysis published in The Lancet predicts that by 2050, about one in three Americans between 15 and 24 years old will meet the criteria for obesity, putting them at higher risk for serious health problems. Many influences contribute to this trend, including genetics and low levels of physical activity, but diet plays a central role.
Ultra-processed foods -- which make up 55 to 65 percent of what young adults eat in the U.S. -- have been associated with metabolic syndrome, poor cardiovascular health, and other conditions in adolescents.
Know more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043055.htm’
