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4d ago

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Over 140,000 Premature Deaths in UK and US, Study Finds

Global research highlights significant mortality risks tied to ultra-processed food consumption, urging policy changes to curb health impacts.

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High consumption of ultra-processed foods has been associated with 32 different diseases.
New research suggests that in addition to chronic disease, ultra-processed foods like soda may be behind premature deaths.
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Overview

  • A new meta-analysis in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine estimates over 124,000 premature deaths in the US and 17,781 in the UK were attributable to ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption in recent years.
  • The study found that every 10% increase in UPF share of daily caloric intake raises the risk of all-cause mortality by 3%.
  • Ultra-processed foods, which make up over half of daily caloric intake in the US and UK, are linked to 32 diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression.
  • Researchers call for global regulatory measures, such as taxes, improved food labeling, and dietary guidelines, to reduce UPF consumption and promote healthier diets.
  • While the study underscores the health risks of UPFs, experts note its observational nature and call for further research to confirm causality and refine dietary recommendations.