Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may be a major driver of preventable deaths, according to a global study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Researchers found that for every 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption as part of daily energy intake, the risk of death from all causes rose by 2.7%. In the United States alone, this amounts to over 124,000 preventable deaths annually.
The study emphasized that UPFs are harmful not just due to their high content of sodium, trans fats, and sugar, but also because of chemical changes during industrial processing and the addition of artificial ingredients like colorants, flavors, emulsifiers, and sweeteners.
Thousands of Deaths Across Multiple Countries
Researchers analyzed dietary survey and mortality data from eight countries: the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico.
Consumption rates varied widely:
- Colombia (2015) and Brazil (2017–2018): UPFs accounted for less than 20% of daily energy intake.
- Chile (2010) and Mexico (2016): UPFs made up 20–30% of daily intake.
- Australia (2011–2012) and Canada (2016): UPFs contributed around 37.5% to 43.7% of daily intake.
- United States (2017–2018) and United Kingdom (2018–2019): UPFs exceeded 50% of daily intake.
The U.S. and U.K. recorded the highest number of premature deaths linked to UPFs, with approximately 124,000 and 18,000 deaths respectively.
Notably, the study showed that within each country, individuals consuming the highest amounts of UPFs had significantly higher mortality rates than those consuming the least—regardless of the country’s overall UPF consumption levels.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are typically ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat products created with little to no whole foods. They often include a range of additives like colorants, emulsifiers, thickeners, flavor enhancers, and artificial sweeteners to boost their taste and shelf life.
In many high-income countries, UPFs already account for more than half of the daily diet. Alarmingly, a 2024 review involving nearly 9.8 million people linked UPFs to at least 32 different health issues, including:
- Depression
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Certain types of cancer
Researchers warn that while UPF consumption in high-income countries has plateaued at a high level, it continues to rise in low- and middle-income countries, posing a growing global health threat.
Nutrient-Poor, Calorie-Dense
Experts emphasize that UPFs are high in calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, while being stripped of naturally occurring nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The result is foods that digest quickly, spike blood sugar, encourage fat deposition, and contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
More than 73% of the U.S. food supply now consists of ultra-processed foods. Factors like convenience, availability, and misleading marketing contribute heavily to Americans’ reliance on UPFs.
Food packaging often highlights added vitamins or other health claims, making it harder for consumers to recognize the highly processed nature of these foods.
A Global Public Health Issue
The study authors stressed that mortality linked to UPF consumption is significant and should be treated as a global health priority. However, experts caution that changing dietary habits is complex.
Many individuals are aware of the dangers associated with UPFs but continue choosing them due to convenience, cost, and taste preferences. Fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and nuts are healthier alternatives, but accessibility and affordability can pose barriers for many.
Addressing UPF consumption through public health policies, early education, and greater regulation could help reduce the growing burden of diet-related diseases worldwide.
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