A new study reveals that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are responsible for more than 124,000 preventable deaths in the United States each year. Sugary drinks, packaged chips and cookies, frozen dinners—these are the types of foods that fall into this category. Collectively, they represent more than 73% of the nation’s total food supply. The shocking results expose a clear correlation between the greater intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and excess risk of death. This has created increasing urgency for dietary change.
The science is pretty definitive about the connection between ultra-processed foods and adverse health impacts. For each 10% increase in energy intake from these foods, the risk of all-cause mortality increases by 2.7%. UPFs have been associated with at least 32 adverse health outcomes. These range from obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes to even some cancers. The research underscores the emerging global concern about the excessive consumption of these foods and their devastating consequences on public health.
Global Context of Ultra-Processed Foods
That worrying trend is not just relegated to inside the US. Countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico report significant premature deaths related to UPF consumption as well. In the UK, almost 18,000 deaths per year are directly caused by these types of foods. In Australia, UPFs account for 37.5% of daily energy intake. In Canada, that figure jumps to 43.7%. In contrast, in the cases of Chile and Mexico, UPFs represent 20-30% of daily energy intake.
Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, the principal investigator of the study, highlights a positive development. High-income countries have experienced UPF consumption plateaus or even declines in the past decade. He cautions that low- and middle-income countries are showing us a trend of persistent escalation in consumption.
“It is concerning that, while in high-income countries UPF consumption is already high but relatively stable for over a decade, in low- and middle-income countries the consumption has continuously increased,” – Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson
“This shows that policies that disincentivize the consumption of UPFs are urgently needed globally,” – Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson
Health Implications of Ultra-Processed Foods
The harmful impact of ultra-processed foods goes further than public health alone. These foods are typically loaded with sodium, trans fats, and sugars, and devoid of the nutrients we need. That imbalance has led to the rising rates of chronic diseases like obesity and cardiovascular disease.
“UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing,” – Dana Hunnes
Cartel randomized controlled trials have found a close association between UPF intake and mental health issues including depression. The dual factors of under-nourishment and over-stimulation, through artificial additives, can perpetuate a wide range of psychological disorders.
Christopher Gardner highlights that even within countries where UPF consumption is lower overall, individuals who consume higher quantities still exhibit increased mortality rates.
“The authors showed that regardless of the general consumption levels, there were consistently higher mortality levels among the subset of the population within each of those countries who consumed the most vs. the least UPF,” – Christopher Gardner
Confronting the crisis created by ultra-processed foods requires a diverse strategy that includes education, policy reform, and community engagement. Our experts, plus Kessler’s book, highlight the fact that most people already know that UPFs are dangerous. They’re often unable to make the healthier choice due to convenience and cost.
As Kanwar Kelley reminds us, the U.S. food environment is now ruled by unhealthy fast food and highly processed foods. This accessibility heavily influences consumer choices.
“Convenience is a large predictor of food choices,” – Kanwar Kelley
Additionally, complex food labeling can further obfuscate what consumers are buying. With the exception of a few, most products don’t outright call themselves “ultra-processed,” but instead try to market their positive features, such as high vitamin levels.
Awareness isn’t all that’s needed. Individuals need to be encouraged and inspired to choose healthier options, especially when society is pushing them to choose what’s more convenient.
“My perception is that most people are aware of the dangers of UPFs, but choose to ignore this,” – Mir Ali
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