ESRC Studentship/UBEL DTP

Overweight and obesity affect approximately 40% of year 6 children in the UK, with greater incidence in
children from deprived backgrounds. Childhood obesity is associated with later life obesity and chronic
disease, and its prevention is a priority.
Ultra-processed food (UPF) refers to foods containing ingredients which cannot be readily purchased,
including stabilisers and preservatives. Emerging evidence suggests high UPF intake may be associated
with greater energy intake and weight gain in adults. Children in the UK obtain over 60% of their energy
from UPF, however, the health implications of UPF intake in children are unknown. In particular, research
into the association between UPF, appetite and weight gain is needed.
There appears to be a high degree of inter-individual variability in calorie consumption for individuals
consuming UPF. The relative influences on variation in intake of UPFs are unknown, and a better
understanding of these is crucial to develop policies to improve the diet of the population. Twin studies
allow the quantification of the contributions of genetic and environmental factors to individual
differences in behaviour, such as intake of UPF.
An examination of UPF intake among children from different levels of deprivation is also needed.
Modelling studies predict significant decreases in children's BMI with reduced UPF consumption,
particularly among deprived groups, however, real-world data analysis is lacking.
This project will use Gemini Study data to
Characterise UPF intake among British children at ages 2 and 7 years using three-day diet diaries,
including intake among children from varying levels of deprivation;
Examine longitudinal associations between UPF intake at ages 2 and 7 and weight gain trajectories;
Examine longitudinal associations between UPF intake at ages 2 and 7 and appetite trajectories;
Establish genetic and environmental influences on individual differences in UPF intake;
Evaluate potential interventions to reduce children's UPF intake in the UK.