Ultra-Processed Food Consumption, Physical Activity, and Overweight Among Adolescents: A Path Analysis in Indonesia

Abstract

The prevalence of overweight in adolescents aged 13–15 has increased from 2018 (11.2%) to 2023 (12.1%), as well as the impacts caused in the short and long term related to degenerative diseases. This study aimed to analyze the influence of Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) consumption habits and physical activity on overweight incidence among adolescents. A quantitative approach was employed, involving 280 junior high school students in Tangerang Regency, Banten Province, Indonesia, selected through quota sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The independent variables were UPF consumption habits and physical activity, while the dependent variable was the incidence of over-weight. Age, sex, and health status were treated as confounding variables. Data were analyzed using path analysis. The results showed that sex and socioeconomic status did not directly affect UPF consumption (p = 0.526 and 0.883). However, UPF consumption significantly influenced physical activity (t =-2.090; p = 0.038). Phys-ical activity had a significant direct effect on overweight (t =-6.496; p = 0.000). Additionally, UPF consumption indirectly affected over-weight through physical activity. These findings suggest the need for further research and more comprehensive public health strate-gies to prevent adolescent overweight.

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