Associations between ultra-processed food consumption and duration of exercise with psychological symptoms in Chinese adolescents: a nationwide cross-sectional survey

Ultra-processed food consumption and duration of exercise were associated with psychological symptoms in Chinese adolescents. The higher the UPF consumption and the shorter the duration of exercise, the higher the prevalence of psychological symptoms. These findings highlight the need for public health strategies focusing on reducing UPF consumption and promoting regular exercise to mitigate psychological symptoms among adolescents.