Understanding a Linkage Between Processed Foods and Chronic Diseases Among Thai Adolescents in Bangkok

Abstract

Rising consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among adolescents is a global public health concern, contributing to higher rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Bangkok adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to high exposure to convenience stores, fast-food outlets, food delivery, and aggressive digital marketing. This review synthesized national and international evidence on UPF consumption among adolescents, with a focus on Bangkok, to characterize dietary patterns, analyzed social, environmental, and behavioral determinants, and examined associations with non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ThaiJo databases, and gray literature from WHO, the Thai Ministry of Public Health, and national surveys (January 2015–June 2025). Studies that included adolescents aged 10-19 years and reported UPF consumption patterns or NCD-related outcomes were included. Data were synthesized narratively, with emphasis on Bangkok-specific findings and comparisons with international trends. Bangkok adolescents frequently consume sugary drinks, instant noodles, fried snacks, and bakery products, often exceeding recommended sugar and sodium limits.
Key determinants included peer influence, family purchasing habits, pervasive online marketing, and 24-hour retail access. These patterns mirrored global trends and were associated with increased BMI, hypertension risk, and early metabolic disturbances. UPF consumption among Bangkok adolescents is alarmingly high and poses significant long-term NCD risks. Multi-level strategies are urgently needed, including sugar-sweetened beverage taxation, front-of-pack warning labels, tighter controls on youth-targeted digital marketing, and zoning restrictions near schools. School-based nutrition education, healthy canteen standards, and technology-enabled behavior-change tools can further support healthier dietary choices. Bangkok-specific longitudinal studies are needed to monitor trends and evaluate intervention effectiveness.