Overview

• An online survey of more than 2,100 U.S. adults published in JAMA Network Open found that 39% of respondents misclassify every processed food as unhealthy and often mistakenly cite carbohydrates and desserts as top diabetes risks.
• Cohort studies distinguish harmful and protective ultra-processed foods, linking processed meat consumption to a 44% rise in diabetes and cardiovascular risk and breakfast cereals to a 22% reduction in diabetes risk.
• A 2024 analysis of over 310,000 participants demonstrated a dose-dependent effect, showing that each 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake raises type 2 diabetes risk by 17%.
• The American Medical Association has approved new guidelines urging public education to help consumers differentiate healthful from harmful ultra-processed foods.
• The FDA has issued a Request for Information to define ultra-processed foods for the next Dietary Guidelines for Americans, responding to criticism of the broad NOVA classification.