Ultra-processed food consumption and anxiety levels in school adolescents from a public educational institution in Lima, Peru

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between ultra-processed food consumption and anxiety levels in adolescents from a public educational institution in Lima, Peru. Materials and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 146 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years during 2022. UPF consumption was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire adapted for adolescents, and anxiety levels were evaluated using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. The association between variables was assessed using the Chi-square test. Results: The predominant age group was 13–14 years (54.1%), and 56.8% of the participants were female. Low UPF consumption was observed in 71.2% of the sample, whereas 26.7% and 2.1% showed moderate and high consumption, respectively. Regarding anxiety levels, 62.3% of the participants presented mild anxiety, 36.3% moderate anxiety, and 1.4% severe anxiety. No significant association was identified between UPF consumption and anxiety levels (p = 0.411). However, a higher frequency of moderate and severe anxiety was observed among female adolescents (p < 0.001). Conclusions: No significant association was identified between UPF consumption and anxiety levels among the evaluated adolescents. Nevertheless, the high frequency of anxiety symptoms highlights the importance of strengthening comprehensive strategies promoting mental health and healthy eating in adolescent populations.