Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Brain Response and Children's Weight Gain
A study in JAMA Network Open shows that ultra-processed foods alter children's brain responses and increase their weight.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
A recent American study published in JAMA Network Open shows that the impact of ultra-processed foods goes beyond simply increasing calorie intake, extending to changes in how children’s brains respond to food cues. The study included children aged 7 to 10, who underwent brain imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while viewing images of appetizing foods such as cookies and French fries. Researchers observed intense activity in the dorsal striatum, a brain region responsible for reward and motivation processes, among children who consumed more of these products. This heightened neural response was associated with a clear increase in their body mass index and body fat percentage over the following year.
The findings suggest that the brain’s response to food cues may explain a significant portion of the relationship between consuming these foods and physical changes, including weight gain. The list of such products includes familiar and common items in children’s diets, such as breakfast cereals, packaged snacks, and ready-made meals, which are characterized by complex industrial formulations rich in added sugars, salts, and fats. Lead researcher Kathleen Page from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California emphasized the importance of understanding these mechanisms, noting that children’s brains and eating habits are still developing and taking shape during this critical age period.
Experts argue that addressing this growing risk is not solely the responsibility of families; it requires community-level solutions that support the food environment surrounding them. Ultra-processed foods remain a practical choice for many families due to their low cost, ease of preparation, and widespread availability in markets compared to fresh foods. Therefore, facilitating families’ access to fresh and less-processed foods—such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—and providing healthy alternatives at affordable prices are essential and pivotal steps to protect children’s health and support their physical and cognitive development.
Source: ScienceDaily
