New Study Says Skip the Hot Dogs This Fourth of July
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As Americans fire up their grills for the Fourth of July, a new study published in Nature Medicine says that there is no safe amount of hot dogs—or any processed meat—to consume. The study, led by Dr. Demewoz Haile of the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, found that even small daily servings of processed meat significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and heart disease.
The findings arrive just as Americans are expected to consume over 150 million hot dogs during the holiday weekend. Health experts are urging moderation, if not outright avoidance, of processed meats, sugary drinks, and trans fats. The study analyzed data from over 60 prior studies and employed a burden-of-proof methodology to evaluate the strength of the evidence.
Hot dogs are ready for the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating competition at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York on July 4, 2025.
Hot dogs are ready for the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating competition at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York on July 4, 2025.Why It Matters
Hot dogs are a staple of July 4 celebrations, but this research contributes to a growing body of evidence linking processed meats to an increased risk of chronic disease.
With diet-related illnesses already among the leading causes of death in the U.S., the study speaks to the need for more transparent communication about the risks of everyday foods that are deeply embedded in American culture.
What To Know
Eating just 50 grams of processed meat daily—the weight of a typical hot dog—is associated with an 11 percent higher risk of type 2 diabetes and a 7 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer.
The study also found links between sugary drinks and ischemic heart disease and between trans fats and elevated cholesterol. Researchers concluded that there is no safe level of habitual consumption of processed meats, sugary drinks, or trans fats. The strongest associations were observed even at low levels of intake, suggesting that regular consumption—regardless of the amount—poses measurable health risks.
The research pooled data from over 60 studies and applied a burden-of-proof risk function to assess the strength and consistency of the evidence. While observational, the study's scale and statistical rigor make its findings difficult to ignore.
Dr. Nita Forouhi of the University of Cambridge, who was not involved in the study, said the findings support existing dietary guidelines to limit processed meat, per CNN. Other experts emphasized that occasional indulgence is unlikely to cause harm, but regular consumption should be avoided.
The study's release coincides with the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest and a weekend when Americans traditionally consume millions of hot dogs. Health officials are using the moment to encourage healthier grilling choices and raise awareness about long-term dietary risks.
What People Are Saying
Authors of Health effects associated with consumption of processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages and transfatty acids: a Burden of Proof study: "We observed a statistically significant...increase in type 2 diabetes risk associated with higher processed meat consumption; that is, disease risk increased with increased intake."
Dr. Demewoz Haile, the study's lead author, told CNN.: "Habitual consumption of even small amounts of processed meat, sugary drinks and trans fatty acids is linked to increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease and colorectal cancer.
What Happens Next
While the study is unlikely to stop Americans from enjoying hot dogs this weekend, it may influence future dietary guidelines and public health campaigns.
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