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Eating distractions as predictors of
ultra-processed food consumption
and Mediterranean diet adherence
in adolescents
José Francisco López-Gil1, Fiorella Quiroz-Cárdenas6, José Adrián Montenegro-Espinosa1,
Emily Cisneros-Vásquez1, Camila Miño1, Mónica Elizabeth Castillo-Miñaca1,
Rubén Alejandro Unda-López1, Lina América Sánchez-Charcopa1,
María Paula Zalamea-Delgado1, Martina Jared Masache-Cruz1,
David Alejandro Palacios-Zavala1, Mateo Alejandro Barriga-Collantes1,
Héctor Gutiérrez-Espinoza2, Jorge Olivares-Arancibia3, Rodrigo Yañéz-Sepúlveda4 &
Carlos Hermosa-Bosano5
Previous studies have examined the relationships between some eating distractions and diet quality
in the young population. However, to our knowledge, no study has analyzed the associations
between multiple eating distractions (e.g., using a mobile phone, watching television [TV], eating
while standing) and diet quality, particularly in terms of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and
adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) among adolescents. The objective of the current study
was to analyze the relationships of eating distractions with UPF consumption and adherence to the
MedDiet in a sample of Spanish adolescents. This cross-sectional study used data from 826 adolescents
aged 12–17 years from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities study in Spain. The following eating
distractions were assessed via a self-report questionnaire: “(1) eating while talking on the phone/
sending short message service [SMS]/emails or using social networks”, (2) watching TV while dinner,
and (3) eating while standing”. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents
(KIDMED) was utilized to evaluate adherence to the MedDiet. A self-administered food frequency
questionnaire, previously validated for the Spanish population, was used to assess UPF consumption.
The associations of eating distractions with UPF consumption and MedDiet adherence were analyzed
via generalized linear models. The models were adjusted for sex, age, socioeconomic status, body mass
index, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration. A signicant association was found,
with a higher eating distraction score corresponding to greater UPF consumption (unstandardized beta
coecient [B] = 71.25; 95% condence interval [CI] 34.69–107.82; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a higher
eating distraction score was associated with a lower KIDMED score (B − 0.29; 95% CI − 0.39 to − 0.18;
p < 0.001). Individually, for grams of UPFs consumed, a signicant association was observed for eating
while using a phone or social network, which was linked to higher UPF consumption (B = 120.70; 95%
CI 57.83–183.57; p < 0.001). However, the associations for eating while watching TV (B = 49.60; 95% CI
− 9.01 to 108.21; p = 0.098) and eating while standing (B = 63.66; 95% CI − 37.92 to 165.25; p = 0.220) did
not reach statistical signicance. For KIDMED score, all the eating distractions were associated with a
signicant decrease, with the largest eect observed for phone or social network use (B = − 0.44; 95%
CI − 0.62 to − 0.26). Watching TV (B = − 0.18; 95% CI − 0.35 to − 0.01; p = 0.037) and eating while standing
(B = − 0.42; 95% CI − 0.71 to − 0.13; p = 0.004) also showed signicant negative associations. Although
diet quality is inuenced by multiple factors, eating distractions may negatively impact adolescents by
increasing UPF consumption and reducing adherence to the MedDiet. These ndings underscore the
importance of understanding the role of the eating environment in shaping healthy dietary habits.
Keywords Distracted eating, Eating healthy, NOVA, Youths, Mindful eating
1One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador. 2Faculty of Education, Universidad
Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile. 3AFySE Group, Research in Physical Activity and School Health, School of
OPEN
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Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile. 4Faculty Education and
Social Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile. 5Well-Being, Health and Society Research Group,
School of Psychology and Education, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador. 6 Health and Social Research
Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain. email: Josefranciscolopezgil@gmail.com
Diet quality is a multifaceted concept that reects the overall nutritional adequacy of a person’s diet. It
encompasses both the consumption of nutrient-rich foods and the limitation of unhealthy components such
as ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Poor diet quality has been associated with various adverse health outcomes1,2,
particularly in young populations, where dietary habits are still being established3. UPFs have been dened
as a type of food that is made up of industrial formulations primarily consisting of food-derived substances,
additives, and other articial ingredients4. ese foods are designed to be convenient, long-lasting, and very
tasty, but they oen contain high levels of salt, sugar, and fat while providing little nutritional value, such as
snacks, sweetened beverages, frozen meals, or fast food5. e concept that UPFs are unhealthy components
of people’s diets is gaining widespread recognition in the eld of nutrition research and ocial reports1,2,6,7.
ere is increasing awareness of how UPFs can negatively impact the quality of a person’s diet and increase the
likelihood of health issues8,9. Globally, between 1990 and 2010, the intake of unhealthy food items increased,
with heterogeneity across regions and countries10. UPFs are prevalent in diets worldwide, contributing to 20%
to more than 60% of total energy intake, depending on the country and age range2. Despite these ndings, UPFs
have received limited attention in eorts to improve overall health5. To address this gap, it is crucial to provide
evidence that links UPF consumption to health outcomes.
One dietary pattern that advocates low consumption of UPFs is the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet). e
MedDiet, a predominantly plant-focused dietary regimen that is gaining popularity worldwide, is considered
one of the most benecial dietary patterns for health11. is dietary pattern has positive eects not only in adults
but also in children and adolescents, promoting healthier eating habits and supporting growth and development
during these critical life stages12–14. Studies indicate that people can experience numerous advantages by
integrating components of this diet into their dietary practices15. is dietary approach involves substantial
consumption of plant-derived foods (such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, and potatoes),
utilization of fresh, minimally processed, locally sourced foods in accordance with seasons, primary reliance
on olive oil for fats, and moderate consumption of dairy items (primarily yogurt and cheese), among other
constituents11. Furthermore, the MedDiet has been suggested as a benchmark dietary model owing to its myriad
of health and nutritional advantages, its ability to promote biodiversity, its sociocultural signicance as a culinary
tradition, its minimal environmental footprint, and its favorable economic contributions to local societies16.
Research has explored how distractions during meals could aect food consumption, focusing on factors such
as television (TV) viewing, the food environment, and social interactions17. In general, cognitive distractions
during meals tend to increase food intake both immediately and during subsequent meals17–19. However, under
certain conditions, distractions may reduce immediate intake, such as when the distraction involves high-
cognitive-load tasks (e.g., completing a rapid visual information processing task during meals)20. A systematic
review and meta-analysis by Robinson et al.18 highlights that attentive eating could signicantly inuence food
intake and that incorporating mindful eating principles into interventions could represent a novel approach to
weight loss and maintenance without the need for conscious calorie counting. However, a systematic review
by Sina et al.21 noted that social media exposure is associated with unhealthy eating patterns in children and
adolescents, which is mediated by physiological and social mechanisms. Notably, this review included studies
analyzing the use of social media in general rather than specically during meals.
Previous studies have examined the relationships between some eating distractions and diet quality in
the young population22–24. For example, the absence of distractions at breakfast has been related to increased
adherence to the MedDiet among Spanish children and adolescents22. Furthermore, another study among
Spanish preschoolers suggested that watching TV during meals is associated with greater UPF consumption and
a greater probability of exceeding 10% of total energy intake in free sugar intake23. Among adolescents, one study
from Brazil reported signicantly higher UPF consumption among those who ate in front of screens almost
every day or every day24. However, to our knowledge, no study has analyzed the associations between multiple
eating distractions (e.g., using a mobile phone, watching TV, eating while standing) and diet quality, particularly
in terms of UPF consumption and adherence to the MedDiet among adolescents. Owing to the limited research
on this particular relationship, gaining a more profound understanding of how eating distractions are related
to diet quality could hold signicant importance in the formulation of future intervention initiatives aimed at
enhancing dietary behaviors among adolescents. erefore, the objective of the current study was to analyze the
relationships of eating distractions with UPF consumption and adherence to the MedDiet in a sample of Spanish
adolescents.
Materials and methods
Study design and population
is research utilizes data from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study in a secondary
cross-sectional analysis. e comprehensive methodology of the EHDLA study has been previously described25.
e participants were Spanish adolescents between 12 and 17years old who were attending three secondary
schools in the Vall e de Ricote, Region of Murcia (Spain). Data collection occurred during the 2021–2022
academic year. Among the initial 1378 adolescents (100.0%) in the EDHLA study, 442 (32.1%) were excluded
because of insucient diet quality information (UPF consumption and MedDiet adherence). Further exclusions
were made for incomplete data on eating distractions (n = 29; 2.1%), body mass index (n = 41; 3.0%), and
physical activity/sedentary behaviors (n = 40; 2.9%). e nal sample comprised 826 adolescents (44.7% boys).
Participation required written parental or guardian consent for the selected adolescents. ey received an
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informative document outlining the study’s objectives and planned assessments and surveys. e adolescents
were also asked to provide their own consent to participate.
Ethics
Ethical approval for this research was obtained from multiple institutions. e University of Murcia’s Bioethics
Committee granted approval (ID: 2218/2018), as did the Ethics Committee of the Albacete University Hospital
Complex and the Albacete Integrated Care Management (ID: 2021-85). Additionally, the study was conducted
in compliance with the guidelines set forth in the Helsinki Declaration.
Procedures
Eating distractions
e study evaluated various eating distractions. e participants were questioned about three behaviors: (1)
eating while talking on the phone/sending short message service (SMS)/emails or using social networks, (2)
watching TV while eating dinner, and (3) eating while standing. For each of these measures, participants could
select from four options: (a) not important, (b) a little important, (c) somewhat important, or (d) very important.
ese choices were assigned values of zero, one, two, or three points. e eating distractions score was calculated
by adding the points from all three items, resulting in a range from zero to nine points.
Ultra-processed food consumption
A self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), previously validated for the Spanish population26, was
used to assess food consumption and energy and nutrient intake. e FFQ comprises 45 items categorized into
12 food groups: (a) red and processed meat; (b) poultry, sh, and eggs; (c) fruits (including preserved fruit); (d)
vegetables (salads and other vegetables); (e) dairy products; (f) salted cereals (breakfast cereals, bread, pasta, and
rice); (g) sweet cereals (biscuits, pastries); (h) legumes; (i) nuts; (j) sweets (sugars and chocolates); (k) sweetened
beverages; and (l) alcoholic drinks. Adolescents reported their weekly or monthly consumption of these foods,
from which the average weekly portion for each group was calculated.
UPFs were classied according to the NOVA system4, which divides foods into four categories on the basis
of the extent and purpose of industrial processing. ese categories are (1) unprocessed or minimally processed
foods, (2) processed culinary ingredients, (3) processed foods, and (4) UPF and drink products.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet
e Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED)27 was utilized to evaluate
adherence to the MedDiet. is assessment tool consists of a 16-item questionnaire, with scores ranging from
− 4 to 12. Questions addressing unhealthy dietary habits receive negative scores, whereas those related to healthy
practices are assigned positive scores. e total score is then classied into three categories: high (≥ 8 points),
moderate (4–7 points), and low (≤ 3 points) MedDiet adherence. For subsequent analyses, these categories were
consolidated into two groups: optimal adherence (≥ 8 points) and nonoptimal adherence (< 8 points) to the
MedDiet. is categorization was chosen to simplify interpretation, align with previous studies in adolescent
populations, and emphasize clinically relevant dierences in dietary adherence patterns.
Covariates
e participants self-reported their sex and age. Socioeconomic status was assessed via the Family Auence
Scale (FAS-III), which involves responses to six questions about household possessions and amenities (e.g.,
bedrooms, cars, bathrooms, computers, vacations, or dishwashers)28. e FAS-III score ranged from 0 to 13,
with higher scores indicating higher socioeconomic status. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing
the participants’ weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. Overall sleep duration was determined
by asking teens about their usual bedtime and wake-up time on weekdays and weekends. e average sleep
duration was calculated via the formula [(weekday sleep duration × 5) + (weekend sleep duration × 2)] divided
by 7. e Youth Activity Prole Physical (YAP) questionnaire was used to assess physical activity and sedentary
behavior among the adolescents29. is self-report questionnaire covered a 7-day period and included 15 items
categorized into out-of-school activities, school-related activities, and sedentary habits.
e relationships between eating distractions and UPF consumption or adherence to the MedDiet in
adolescents may be inuenced by multiple factors. e covariates analyzed in this study—including age, sex,
socioeconomic status, sleep duration, sedentary behavior, physical activity, and BMI—are well-established
contributors to diet quality, as reported in previous research30–33.
Statistical analysis
To evaluate the normal distribution of variables, researchers have employed density and quantile‒quantile plots,
along with the Shapiro‒Wilk test. Counts (n) and percentages (%) were used to represent categorical variables,
whereas medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were used for continuous variables (due to the nonnormal
distribution of continuous variables). As no signicant interaction was found between eating distractions and
sex regarding UPF consumption, the KIDMED score, or optimal adherence to the MedDiet (p > 0.05 for all),
analyses were conducted on girls and boys together. Generalized linear models (GLMs) with robust methods
were utilized to investigate the relationships between individual eating distractions (such as eating while using
phones/social media, watching TV while dinner, or eating while standing) or eating distraction scores and UPF
consumption and MedDiet adherence among adolescents. ese models address heteroscedasticity and outliers35.
For continuous outcomes, GLMs with a Gaussian distribution (using the “SMDM” method) were applied to
estimate each unstadardized beta coecient (B) with its95% condence interval (CI). For dichotomic outcomes,
GLMs with a binomial distribution (applying the “Mqle” method) were employed to provide odds ratios (ORs)
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with 95% CIs. e rationale for this approach was to better capture the relationship between eating distractions
and both continuous and binary outcomes. e study also calculated estimated marginal means (M) of UPF
consumption (in grams) and the KIDMED score, as well as predictive probabilities (%) of optimal MedDiet
adherence, with 95% CIs. All models were adjusted for covariates, including sex, age, socioeconomic status, body
mass index, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration. Statistical analyses were performed via R
statistical soware (version 4.4.0) by the R Core Team in Vienna, Austria, and RStudio (2024.04.1 + 748) from
Posit in Boston, MA, USA. Statistical signicance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
Table 1 summarizes the characteristics of the study participants (N = 826). e median age was 14years (IQR 13
to 15), with 45% boys and 55% girls. e median BMI was 21.7kg/m2 (IQR 19.3 to 25.3), and the median FAS-
III score was 8.0 (IQR 7.0 to 10.0), indicating a mid-to-high socioeconomic status in the sample. e median
physical activity score was 2.6 (IQR 2.2 to 3.0), whereas sedentary behavior had a similar median score of 2.6
(IQR 2.2 to 3.0). e median sleep duration was 8.3h per night (IQR 7.6 to 8.8). e median score for eating
distractions was 3.0 (IQR 2.0 to 4.0), with the highest median score reported for watching TV during meals (2.0;
IQR 1.0 to 3.0). e median UPF consumption was 1642.5g per week (IQR 1050.0, 2620.0), and 37.4% of the
adolescents demonstrated optimal adherence to the MedDiet (KIDMED score ≥ 8), with a median KIDMED
score of 7.0 (IQR 5.0 to 8.0).
Figure1 displays the adjusted marginal means of grams of UPFs consumed or KIDMED score in relation
to the eating distraction score. Aer adjusting for covariates, a signicant association was found, with higher
distraction scores corresponding to greater UPF consumption (B = 71.25; 95% CI 34.69 to 107.82; p < 0.001).
Furthermore, a higher distraction score was associated with a lower KIDMED score (B − 0.29; 95% CI − 0.39 to
− 0.18; p < 0.001). Figure S1displays the adjusted marginal means of servings of UPFs consumed or predictive
probabilities of having an optimal adherence to the MedDiet in relation to the eating distraction score. e full
results of the main analyses are detailed in Table S1 and Table S2, with additional analyses for UPF servings and
optimal MedDiet adherence in Table S3 and Table S4, respectively.
Figure2 presents the adjusted marginal means of grams of UPFs consumed or KIDMED score for three
specic distractions: eating while using a phone or social network, eating while watching TV during lunch
or dinner, and eating while standing. For grams of UPFs consumed, a signicant association was observed
for eating while using a phone or social network, which was linked to higher UPF consumption (B = 120.70;
95% CI 57.83 to 183.57; p < 0.001). However, the associations for eating while watching TV (B = 49.60; 95% CI
− 9.01 to 108.21; p = 0.098) and eating while standing (B = 63.66; 95% CI − 37.92 to 165.25; p = 0.220) did not
reach statistical signicance. For KIDMED score, all the eating distractions were associated with a signicant
decrease, with the largest eect observed for phone or social network use (B = -0.44; 95% CI − 0.62 to -0.26).
Watching TV (B = − 0.18; 95% CI − 0.35 to − 0.01; p = 0.037) and eating while standing (B = − 0.42; 95% CI − 0.71
to − 0.13; p = 0.004) also showed signicant negative associations. Figure S2indicates the adjusted marginal
means of servings of UPFs consumed or predictive probabilities of having an optimal adherence to the MedDiet
Var i able N = 8261
Age (years) 14.0 (13.0, 15.0)
Sex
Boys 369 (45%)
Girls 457 (55%)
FAS-III (score) 8.0 (7.0, 10.0)
BMI (kg/m2) 21.7 (19.3, 25.3)
YAP-S physical activity (score) 2.6 (2.2, 3.0)
YAP-S sedentary behaviors (score) 2.6 (2.2, 3.0)
Overall sleep duration (hours) 8.3 (7.6, 8.8)
Energy intake (kcal) 2577.5 (1955.6, 3442.9)
Eating while using a phone or social network (score) 0.0 (0.0, 1.0)
Eating while watching TV during lunch or dinner (score) 2.0 (1.0, 3.0)
Eating while standing (score) 0.0 (0.0, 0.0)
Eating distractions (score) 3.0 (2.0, 4.0)
KIDMED (score) 7.0 (5.0, 8.0)
Adherence to the MedDiet
Nonoptimal 517 (62.6%)
Optimal 309 (37.4%)
UPF (g) 1642.5 (1050.0, 2620.0)
UPF (servings) 26.0 (17.0, 38.0)
Tab le 1. Descriptive data of the study participants. BMI, body mass index; CI, condence Interval; FAS-III,
Family Auence Scale-III; KIDMED, Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents; TV,
television; UPF, ultra-processed food; YAP-S, Spanish Youth Active Prole. 1Median (IQR) or Frequency (%).
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in relation to the three specic eating distractions.e full results are available in Tables S5–S16 (including also
results for UPF servings and optimal MedDiet adherence).
Discussion
Our ndings suggest that increased distractions during meals were associated with reduced UPF consumption,
lower KIDMED scores, and a decreased likelihood of optimal MedDiet adherence among the studied adolescents.
Specically, using a phone or social media platform during meals was signicantly associated with higher UPF
consumption, whereas watching TV during meals and eating while standing were linked to lower adherence
to the MedDiet. ese ndings align with existing research indicating that mindful eating could impact food
consumption18. Moreover, our observations are consistent with those of previous studies focused on young
populations22–24. e consistency of our results with those of previous studies reinforces the potential role of
mealtime distractions as determinants of dietary patterns in adolescents. Earlier studies have linked the absence
of distractions, particularly during breakfast, with higher adherence to the MedDiet22, whereas watching TV
during meals has been associated with higher UPF consumption23,24. Our ndings add to this body of evidence
Fig. 1. Estimated marginal means of grams of ultra-processed foods or Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for
children and adolescents score in relation to eating distractions score among Spanish adolescents. Age, sex,
body mass index, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration, and energy intake were adjusted for.
UPF, ultra-processed food.
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by highlighting the relevance of distractions beyond screen time, such as standing while eating, which may reect
less structured eating habits and potentially inuence overall diet quality. e associations observed in this study
should be interpreted considering the potential inuence of various individual and lifestyle factors. Previous
research has highlighted the impact of demographic, behavioral, and anthropometric characteristics on diet
quality during childhood and adolescence30–33. ese results align with the literature, reinforcing the importance
of addressing these factors when evaluating the relationships among eating distractions, UPF consumption, and
adherence to the MedDiet.
One of the possible reasons could be related to the theory of “mindful eating”. is theory, which involves
applying mindfulness to eating-related thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and behaviors34, has been shown to
enhance diet quality and overall well-being through healthier food choices35. However, distractions during meals,
such as watching TV or using electronic devices, reduce attention to food and awareness of consumption18,36.
ese distractions can lead to impulsive choices, ignoring hunger and fullness cues37, and prioritizing quick,
Fig. 2. Estimated marginal means of grams of ultra-processed foods consumed or Mediterranean Diet Quality
Index for children and adolescents score in relation to eating while talking on the phone/sending SMS/emails
or using social networks, eating while watching TV while eating dinner, or eating while standing among
Spanish adolescents. Age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration, and
energy intake were adjusted for. KIDMED, Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents;
UPF, ultra-processed food.
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convenient foods over fresh and nutritious options38—key elements of the MedDiet. Encouraging mindful eating
could therefore be pivotal in fostering healthier dietary behaviors and preserving the benets of the MedDiet.
Additionally, eating distractions could lead individuals to choose less healthy foods. Distractions, such as
using a phone, watching TV, or playing video games, are oen associated with consuming UPFs23 and those
high in fats, sugars, and salt4. ese foods are less common in the MedDiet, which emphasizes fresh, natural
products such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, sh, and olive oil39. In this sense, previous studies have pointed
out the relationship between eating distractions (e.g., watching TV) and UPF consumption23,40. In addition, the
lack of attention given to meals may lead to a preference for foods that require no preparation or planning41,
resulting in a departure from the principles of the MedDiet. Furthermore, cognitive distractions during meals
decrease food intake and memory of the meal among healthy young adults, highlighting their potential impact
on eating behavior and food consumption regulation. However, caution is needed to interpret this potential
reason because that study was conducted in healthy young adults and not in adolescents.
On the other hand, greater eating distractions among adolescents (especially when they use a mobile phone
or watch TV) could lead to increased exposure to unhealthy food advertising. For example, previous studies have
reported that watching TV42 or being on social media43 during meals exposes adolescents to ads for fast food
and UPFs, which can inuence their preferences and steer them away from traditional Mediterranean foods44.
Adolescents are more exposed than children are to food products classied as unhealthy and to various marketing
techniques, especially those targeting minors45. Despite existing self-regulation policies, young people continue
to experience high levels of exposure to advertisements for unhealthy foods46. In this sense, previous evidence
suggests that food companies may increasingly focus their advertising strategies on adolescents, highlighting the
need to review and strengthen current regulations to better protect this vulnerable population.
is research has several limitations that warrant acknowledgment. e study’s cross-sectional nature
prevents the establishment of causal relationships. Additional research is necessary to determine whether
reducing eating distractions leads to higher diet quality. Moreover, the direction of the association remains
unclear, as superior diet quality could explain fewer eating distractions. Longitudinal studies are needed to
ascertain whether increased eating distractions directly contribute to decreased diet quality in adolescents. e
use of self-reported data introduces potential recall and social desirability biases, which may aect the accuracy
of reported eating distractions and diet quality. Although the analysis accounts for various covariates, diet quality
is inuenced by multiple factors, and unaddressed variables could impact the observed results. e ndings may
not be applicable to other Spanish regions or countries because of cultural dierences in eating habits, such as
dining with family or others, which could inuence eating distractions and subsequent results. Despite these
limitations, this study contributes valuable cross-sectional evidence regarding the role of eating-related factors
in dietary behaviors among adolescents, an understudied population. e strengths of this study include the
use of a large sample of Spanish adolescents, the application of validated tools for assessing dietary intake and
adherence to the MedDiet, and the consideration of multiple eating distractions simultaneously. Additionally,
the adjustment for numerous covariates, including sociodemographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric variables,
enhances the robustness of the results. is study also addresses an important gap in the literature by analyzing
the association between eating distractions and diet quality, providing a foundation for future longitudinal
research and public health interventions.
Conclusions
Although diet quality is inuenced by multiple factors, eating distractions may negatively impact adolescents
by increasing UPF consumption and reducing adherence to the MedDiet. ese ndings underscore the
importance of understanding the role of the eating environment in shaping healthy dietary habits. Future
studies could explore interventions aimed at fostering mindful eating practices in this age group. Public health
initiatives aimed at improving dietary quality among young people could benet from encouraging the removal
of electronic devices (such as mobile phones, computers, and TV) during meals and discouraging eating while
standing.
Data availability
Data generated or analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable re-
quest, since they pertain to minors, and privacy and condentiality must be respected.
Received: 10 December 2024; Accepted: 24 February 2025
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Acknowledgements
e authors would like to express their gratitude to the Ayuntamiento de Archena, the participants, parents/legal
guardians, physical education teachers, schools, and sta who provided information for this study.
Author contributions
JFL-G, FQ-C, JAM-E, EC-V, CM, MEC-M, RAU-L, LAS-C, MPZ-D, MJM-C, DAP-Z, MAB-C, HG-E, JO-A, RY-
Scientic Reports | (2025) 15:7579 8
| https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91754-x
www.nature.com/scientificreports/
Content courtesy of Springer Nature, terms of use apply. Rights reserved
S,and CH-B designed the study. JFL-G contributed to the interpretation and analysis of the data. JFL-G wrote
the initial dra. JFL-G, FQ, JAM-E, EC-V, CM, MEC-M, RAU-L, LAS-C, MPZ-D, MJM-C, DAP-Z, MAB-C,
HG-E, JO-A, RY-S,and CAH-B contributed to the revision of the manuscript. All authors approved the nal
version of the manuscript.
Declarations
Competing interests
e authors declare no competing interests.
Consent statement
Informed consent was obtained from all the participants.
Ethical approval
is study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. is study was approved by the
Bioethics Committee of the University of Murcia (approval ID 2218/2018, approved on 18 February 2019) and
the Ethics Committee of the Albacete University Hospital Complex (approval ID 2021–85, approved on 23
November 2021).
Additional information
Supplementary Information e online version contains supplementary material available at h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1
0 . 1 0 3 8 / s 4 1 5 9 8 - 0 2 5 - 9 1 7 5 4 - x .
Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to J.F.L.-G.
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