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Higher baseline ultra-processed food consumption predicts lower adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines in children at 2-year follow-up

Children aged 4-5 years with the highest tertile of ultra-processed food consumption had a 27% higher risk of not meeting 24-hour movement guidelines after 2 years compared to the lowest tertile (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04-1.55). The association was primarily driven by increased recreational screen time, with the highest UPF tertile showing 1.82 times the risk of not meeting screen time recommendations.

Last updated: Aug 2, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Prospective association between baseline ultra-processed food consumption and future adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines in children: findings from the SENDO project.

observational

Paladino N, Martínez-González MÁ, López-Gil JF, Grosso G, Martín-Calvo N · European journal of pediatrics (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 2 years
Intervention: Baseline ultra-processed food consumption (assessed by FFQ, categorized by NOVA classification into tertiles)
Outcome: Adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines (physical activity, screen time, sleep time) at 2-year follow-up
Effect Size: RR 1.27 (95% CI 1.04-1.55) for not meeting all three guidelines; RR 1.82 (95% CI 1.18-2.64) for not meeting screen time guideline
Population: 586 children aged 4-5 years at baseline from the SENDO project

Result:

PubMed: 42525094DOI: 10.1007/s00431-026-07287-6

Mechanism Graph

Higher UPF consumption at baseline
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Potential nutrient imbalances and metabolic effects
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Increased sedentary behaviors, particularly recreational screen time
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Lower likelihood of meeting 24-hour movement guidelines at follow-up

Limitations

  • ⚠Dietary intake and movement behaviors were assessed via parent-reported questionnaires, which may introduce recall bias
  • ⚠The observational design cannot establish causality, and residual confounding may exist

Frequently Asked Questions

What are ultra-processed foods (UPFs)?▼

Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made mostly or entirely from substances extracted from foods or synthesized in laboratories, such as snacks, sugary drinks, and packaged meals, as defined by the NOVA classification.

What are the 24-hour movement guidelines for children?▼

The guidelines, established by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and WHO, recommend specific amounts of physical activity, screen time, and sleep for optimal health in children.

How strong is the association between UPF consumption and movement guideline adherence?▼

Children in the highest UPF consumption group had a 27% higher risk of not meeting the guidelines compared to the lowest group, with a significant linear trend across consumption levels.

Can reducing UPF intake improve children's movement behaviors?▼

This study suggests a prospective association, but as an observational study, it does not prove causation. However, it highlights the potential importance of reducing UPF intake to support healthy behaviors.

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References

  1. 1.Paladino N, Martínez-González MÁ, López-Gil JF, Grosso G, Martín-Calvo N. "Prospective association between baseline ultra-processed food consumption and future adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines in children: findings from the SENDO project.." European journal of pediatrics, 2026. PMID: 42525094 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-026-07287-6
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.