Due to fries and confections. - Three-year-olds exhibit subpar blood test results.
A recent Spanish study reveals that the negative outcomes of a poor diet are more significant than previously thought, with visible effects starting in infancy.
Effects on cholesterol and blood sugar
The term "highly processed" describes foods that have an abundance of sugar, salt, fat, and industrial additives like preservatives, emulsifiers, and sweeteners. The international designation for these foods is UPFs (ultra-processed foods).
The research involved analyzing the health statistics of nearly 1,500 toddlers aged 3 and 6, while gathering dietary information through questionnaires.
The outcomes are alarming, though not surprising:
Kids with the highest UPF consumption had a higher average body mass index (BMI), larger waist circumference, more body fat, worse cholesterol levels, and higher blood sugar levels compared to other children. All of these factors point towards an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
It is unclear whether only UPFs have this impact or if any diet that is too one-sided, fatty, and sugar-loaded has similar effects.
Growing diabetes cases
Global health professionals have been warning about a surge in diabetes cases among children and adolescents for quite some time.
"Childhood obesity is also a pressing concern in Germany," states Prof. Dr. Jens Aberle, President of the German Obesity Society.
According to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, about 15% of German children and teenagers aged 3 to 17 (approximately two million kids) fall into the overweight category.
Necessary actions
As the obesity crisis demands immediate attention, Professor Aberle emphasizes the need for efficient health promotion initiatives to combat the issue.
"Implementing restrictions on advertising unhealthy foods, setting minimum standards for school meals, and better access to treatment for affected families are key actions backed by the medical and scientific communities in Germany."
*Germany has been discussing a ban on marketing food with excessive amounts of fat, sugar, or salt directed at kids, but it hasn't been implemented yet.
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Source: symclub.org
