Television watching during meals is associated with higher ultra-processed food consumption and higher free sugar intake in childhood

Background: The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases and mortality in adults. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between mealtime television (TV) watching and UPF consumption in childhood. Materials and Methods: Participants in the SENDO project recruited in 2015–2023 were classified into three categories based on the frequency at which they watched TV during meals. Dietary information was collected with a validated 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Generalized mixed models were used to compare mean UPF consumption between groups after accounting for the main confounders. The predictive margins of participants who had a free sugar intake >10% of their energy intake in each category were also calculated. Results: Totally 970 subjects (482 girls) with a mean age of 5.00 years (SD = 0.85) were studied. Children who watched TV during meals ≥4 times/week consumed a mean of 4.67% more energy from UPF than those who watch TV <3 times/month. The adjusted proportions of children who had a free sugar intake >10% of their energy intake in the categories of <3 times/month, 1–3 times/week and ≥4 times/week exposure to TV during meals were 44.9%, 45.9% and 58.7%, respectively. Conclusion: TV watching during meals is associated with higher consumption of UPFs and a higher risk of exceeding 10% of TEI in free sugar intake in childhood.