Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Gen Zs Are 62% More Likely To Overeat Food Even If They Are Full, Study Explains Why

A new study has revealed that Gen Zs eat much more ultra-processed foods than we may think. Processed foods have saturated the market over the years, however, recent researches have revealed how these foods affect our health. But do you know who is most affected by this? The study, done by the Virginia Tech, showed that not only are gen Zs more likely to overeat, but most of their diet is also affected by processed foods. 

Research suggests about 62% of their total calories come from these factory-made items. A new study from Virginia Tech warns that this high intake, especially when it leads to overeating, is a major concern for their future health.

<h2>How Much UPFs and Calorie Intake? </h2>

Researchers at Virginia Tech looked at 27 young men and women, aged 18 to 25. For the study, the volunteers followed two different eating plans: 

81% of the calories came from ultra-processed foods. 

The diets were strictly controlled and matched for things like fiber, sugar, and fat content to make sure the researchers were measuring the effect of processing alone, not just the nutrients. Each participant followed one diet for two weeks, took a break, and then switched to the other diet for two weeks. 

<h2>Why Are Ultra-Processed Foods Bad? </h2>

According to John Hopkins University, Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) contains ingredients you wouldn't find in a home kitchen. These include chemical-based preservatives, industrial emulsifiers (like certain oils), high-intensity sweeteners (like high-fructose corn syrup), and artificial colors and flavors. 

Furthermore, UPFs undergo intense factory processing techniques like molding, extrusion, and chemical alteration. The final product often bears almost no resemblance to the original ingredients it came from. 

Common examples of UPFs include soda, packaged snacks (chips, cookies), candy, boxed macaroni and cheese, frozen ready-to-eat meals, lunch meats, and hot dogs. 

<h2>Why Are Younger Gen Zs Are Overeating? </h2>

After following each two-week diet, the participants were given a breakfast buffet and allowed to eat as much or as little as they wanted. The researchers noticed a key difference based on age: 

This younger group consumed significantly more calories during the buffet, especially after eating the high-UPF diet for two weeks. They were also more likely to gorge themselves even when they weren't hungry. 

This older group ate less and did not show the same tendency to overeat. 

The study suggests that being a younger adult may be a risk factor for eating too many calories after being exposed to a high-UPF diet. This indicates that the younger participants may be more influenced by the strong, appealing nature of junk food. 

<h2>How Much Health Risks Do UPFs Pose? </h2>

The lead researcher noted that even though this was a short-term trial, if this kind of increased calorie intake continues over time, it will almost certainly lead to weight gain in these young people. 

The findings are especially concerning because UPFs have already been linked to 32 negative health issues, including higher risks of heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health problems. Experts predict that if drastic measures are not taken, a third of Americans aged 15 to 24 could meet the criteria for obesity by 2050.

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A new study has revealed that Gen Zs eat much more ultra-processed foods than we may think. Processed foods have saturated the market over the years, however, recent researches have revealed how these foods affect our health. But do you know who is most affected by this? The study, done by the Virginia Tech, showed that not only are gen Zs more likely to overeat, but most of their diet is also affected by processed foods. Research suggests about 62% of their total calories come from these factory-made items. A new study from Virginia Tech warns that this high intake, especially when it leads to overeating, is a major concern for their future health. How Much UPFs and Calorie Intake? Researchers at Virginia Tech looked at 27 young men and women, aged 18 to 25. For the study, the volunteers followed two different eating plans: High-UPF Diet 81% of the calories came from ultra-processed foods. Junk-Free Diet A whole-food diet with no junk food. The diets were strictly controlled and matched for things like fiber, sugar, and fat content to make sure the researchers were measuring the effect of processing alone, not just the nutrients. Each participant followed one diet for two weeks, took a break, and then switched to the other diet for two weeks. Why Are Ultra-Processed Foods Bad? According to John Hopkins University, Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) contains ingredients you wouldn't find in a home kitchen. These include chemical-based preservatives, industrial emulsifiers (like certain oils), high-intensity sweeteners (like high-fructose corn syrup), and artificial colors and flavors. Furthermore, UPFs undergo intense factory processing techniques like molding, extrusion, and chemical alteration. The final product often bears almost no resemblance to the original ingredients it came from. Common examples of UPFs include soda, packaged snacks (chips, cookies), candy, boxed macaroni and cheese, frozen ready-to-eat meals, lunch meats, and hot dogs. Why Are Younger Gen Zs Are Overeating? After following each two-week diet, the participants were given a breakfast buffet and allowed to eat as much or as little as they wanted. The researchers noticed a key difference based on age: Ages 18 to 21 This younger group consumed significantly more calories during the buffet, especially after eating the high-UPF diet for two weeks. They were also more likely to gorge themselves even when they weren't hungry. Ages 22 to 25 This older group ate less and did not show the same tendency to overeat. The study suggests that being a younger adult may be a risk factor for eating too many calories after being exposed to a high-UPF diet. This indicates that the younger participants may be more influenced by the strong, appealing nature of junk food. How Much Health Risks Do UPFs Pose? The lead researcher noted that even though this was a short-term trial, if this kind of increased calorie intake continues over time, it will almost certainly lead to weight gain in these young people. The findings are especially concerning because UPFs have already been linked to 32 negative health issues, including higher risks of heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health problems. Experts predict that if drastic measures are not taken, a third of Americans aged 15 to 24 could meet the criteria for obesity by 2050.