Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Study Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Significant Global Mortality

New research estimates premature deaths tied to ultra-processed food consumption across eight countries, urging regulatory action and dietary shifts.

UPFs make up 54 per cent of the average Briton’s daily caloric intake

Overview

  • The latest study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine quantifies the mortality burden of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) across eight nations, including the US, UK, and Brazil.
  • One in seven premature deaths among Britons aged 30-69 could be prevented annually by reducing UPF consumption, according to the analysis.
  • High UPF intake has been associated with 32 chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.
  • Experts call for global policy measures, such as warning labels, taxes, and updated dietary guidelines, to curb UPF consumption and improve public health.
  • Consumer guidance highlights practical strategies for identifying and reducing UPFs, emphasizing the importance of overall diet quality and healthier food swaps.