Investigation of the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and quality of life in middle school students

With advancing technology and urbanization, traditional eating habits have increasingly been replaced by practical, energy-dense, and low-nutrient Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs). This study aims to examine the relationship between UPF consumption and quality of life, psychological status, and food addiction among middle school students. Conducted as a descriptive crosssectional study, the research was carried out with 207 students aged 10–14 in the Yüreğir district of Adana, Turkey. Data collection tools included the Sociodemographic Information Form, Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children 2.0 (YFAS-C 2.0), KIDSCREEN-52 Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). The findings showed that 46.86% of the students exhibited at least two symptoms of food addiction; and there were significant positive correlations between UPF consumption and variables such as depression (r = 0.204), anxiety, social phobia, and separation anxiety. Additionally, increased UPF consumption was associated with decreased quality of life (r = –0.454, p < 0.05), which was confirmed through analyses using the KIDSCREEN-52 and RCADS scales. The highest UPF consumption was observed among students from low and middle-income families. No significant relationship was found between Body Mass Index (BMI) and food addiction. The study concludes that Ultra-Processed Foods have adverse psychosocial and physical health effects on children, lower their quality of life, and trigger addiction-like behaviors. The findings highlight the importance of early intervention and educational programs.