The Relationship Between Ultra-Processed Food and Beverage Consumption Patterns, Blood Glucose Levels, and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents

Abstract

Background: The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among adolescents has increased significantly, raising concerns about long-term metabolic health. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between ultra-processed food and beverage consumption patterns, blood glucose levels, and nutritional status among adolescents in public and private high schools. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 72 respondents aged 16–18 years in East Jakarta and Bekasi. Data were collected using a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), a glucometer for blood glucose measurements, and BMI-for-age (BMI/A) for nutritional status. Results: There was a significant difference in UPF consumption patterns between school categories (p = 0.020), with high consumption found in 75% of public school students and 52.8% of private school students. However, most respondents maintained normal blood glucose levels (97.2%–100%; p = 0.951) and normal nutritional status (72.2%–75%; p = 0.955). No significant relationship was found between UPF consumption and blood glucose levels or nutritional status (p>0.05). Conclusion: While UPF consumption is high among adolescents, particularly in public schools, it does not immediately correlate with abnormal glucose levels or nutritional status, likely due to high basal metabolic rates during growth.