Latest news with #DemewozHaile
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Fourth of July: New study warns there's ‘no safe amount' of hot dogs to eat
An all-new meta-analysis has suggested that there is no safe amount of hot dogs, or any other processed food, to consume. The study, led by Dr Demewoz Haile of the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, was published in the Nature Medicine journal on June 30. Researchers found that even small daily servings of processed meat hold the potential of significantly increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and colorectal cancer, Newsweek reported. Why you should skip eating hot dogs this Fourth of July Why does this matter? This comes as Americans are celebrating Independence Day. Hot dogs remain a staple during the July 4 celebrations. According to the outlet, more than 150 million hot dogs are expected to be consumed across the United States during the Fourth of July weekend. The study contributes to the rising body of evidence that links processed meats to the risk of chronic disease. Notably, diet-related illnesses are already counted among the leading causes of death in the country. Key findings of the study As part of the analysis, the researchers took into consideration 77 different studies to find out the link between common chronic diseases and certain amounts of such food items. Dr Demewoz Haile told Fox News Digital that 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.' He suggested that there was 'no safe level of habitual consumption' of such food items and has advised people to refrain from adding these to their daily diet. In terms of processed meats, the team found out that eating even 0.6 to 57 grams of it on a daily basis was linked to an 11 per cent greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Moreover, daily consumption between 0.78 and 55 grams was discovered to be associated with a 7 per cent increase in colorectal cancer risk. A hot dog typically weighs around 50 grams and is made of almost entirely processed meat. Further, the study found that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, between 1.5 and 390 grams per day, might increase the risk for type 2 diabetes by 8 per cent. Also, there is a risk of ischemic heart disease if consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages ranges between 0 and 365 grams on a daily basis. FAQs: 1. What's the major takeaway from the University of Washington study? It found out that there is "no safe level of habitual consumption" of processed food items. 2. How do daily servings of processed meat affect our body? As per the study, it increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and colorectal cancer. 3. Is July 4 a federal holiday in the US? Yes. Americans are celebrating Independence Day on Friday.
Newsweek
17 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
New Study Says Skip the Hot Dogs This Fourth of July
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 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, 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 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.
New York Post
a day ago
- Health
- New York Post
Just one hot dog a day may increase risk of diabetes, heart disease and colorectal cancer: study
A new meta-analysis from the University of Washington suggests that no amount of processed food is safe to consume. Researchers analyzed 77 different studies to gauge the link between certain amounts of these foods and common chronic diseases. '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,' lead study author Demewoz Haile, a research scientist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, told Fox News Digital. 'There is no safe level of habitual consumption of these food groups, so they should not be included in our daily diet,' he stated. For processed meats in particular, the researchers concluded that eating as little as 0.6 to 57 grams per day was linked to an 11% greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Consuming between 0.78 and 55 grams per day was associated with a 7% increase in colorectal cancer risk, the study found. (One hot dog, which is made up of almost entirely processed meat, is approximately 50 grams.) 5 A staffer carries a plate of 76 hot dogs to the official Weigh-in ceremony, ahead of the Coney Island's 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City, on July 3, 2025. REUTERS The researchers also analyzed the impact of sugar-sweetened beverages, finding that drinking between 1.5 and 390 grams per day could raise type 2 diabetes risk by 8%. Consuming between 0 and 365 grams of the beverages could increase the risk of ischemic heart disease — the most common type of heart disease and a leading cause of death — by 2%, the study found. Trans fatty acids were also analyzed in the study. When the unsaturated fats made up anywhere from 0.25% to 2.56% of daily energy intake, they were linked to a 3% greater risk of ischemic heart disease. (Some examples of trans fats include crackers, cookies, baked goods, frozen pizza, coffee creamer, refrigerated dough products, and vegetable shortenings and some stick margarines, according to WebMD. Some fast foods also contain it.) 5 Competitive eater Joey Chestnut attends the official weigh-in ceremony for the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Hudson Yards on July 3, 2025 in New York City. Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock The findings were published in the journal Nature Medicine on June 30. Previous studies have established the link between processed foods and chronic disease, Haile acknowledged. 'However, our study evaluated the shape of the relationship with the most recent studies, using a more advanced analytical method, and objectively assessed the strength of the evidence,' he noted. 'Our analysis showed that the strongest association is observed at lower exposure levels equivalent to a serving or less, which implies that consuming these food items on a regular basis at any amount increases the risk of adverse health outcomes.' While the researchers recognized that diet is a 'personal choice' and that some may be limited in food choices, they recommend limiting or eliminating consumption of processed foods. 5 The official Weigh-In ceremony for Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Championship was held at noon today at the Hudson Yards Plaza in Manhattan. Paul Martinka 'Our findings support what is widely recommended, including by the WHO and CDC: Avoid or reduce to the minimum possible level the consumption of processed meats, sugary drinks and artificial trans fats,' Haile told Fox News Digital. 'Individuals who regularly consume these foods, even in small amounts, should be aware of the increased risk of chronic diseases.' Potential limitations The major limitations of this study are associated with dietary intake assessment, Haile acknowledged. 'Almost all of the included studies used food frequency questionnaires to assess intake, which can introduce measurement errors, primarily due to difficulties experienced by respondents in recalling long-term intake,' he told Fox News Digital. 5 For processed meats in particular, the researchers concluded that consuming as little as 0.6 to 57 grams per day was associated with an 11% higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. WS Studio – Several studies included in the analysis only looked at consumption at the start of the study, Haile noted — 'which might not accurately reflect the future dietary habits of the study participants.' Also, the study only looked at a limited set of health outcomes for each dietary risk factor. 'Consequently, our study may underestimate the total health loss associated with these foods,' Haile said. 'We also observed substantial variation across existing literature, which implies that high-quality research is still needed to strengthen the evidence and reduce uncertainty.' Experts cite caveats Dr. Nick Norwitz, M.D., PhD, a Harvard-educated clinical researcher and metabolic health educator, acknowledged that the study shows a 'relatively consistent association' between higher processed meat intake and worse health outcomes, but pointed out some caveats. 'These are associations — not necessarily causal relationships,' Norwitz, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. Additionally, as the researchers themselves acknowledged, the quality of the evidence was graded as 'weak,' Norwitz pointed out. 5 Consuming between 0.78 and 55 grams per day was associated with a 7% increase in colorectal cancer risk, the study found. Got Pink? – 'While these large studies have certain strengths, one key weakness is that they lump together many different foods within a single category,' the researcher went on. 'There are various ways to process meats, and not all will have the same biological consequences.' While it's 'certainly feasible' that processed meat can contribute to poor health outcomes, Norwitz said that more research is needed to confirm the meta-analysis' claims. 'At the end of the day, the office donut or bottle of soda is almost certainly doing more metabolic damage than a slice of deli turkey,' he added. A spokesperson from the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) sent the below statement to Fox News Digital regarding the study. 'We have not read the [full] report, but the abstract in the paper itself states that the assertions reflect 'weak relationships or inconsistent input evidence' and that more research is necessary. We would like to know how the paper defined 'processed meat,' or if the researchers weighed any supposed risks against the proven benefits of nutrients and protein found in meat.' In the study, the researchers defined processed meat as 'any meat preserved by smoking, curing, salting or the addition of chemical preservatives.' Fox News Digital also reached out to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for comment.
Fox News
a day ago
- Health
- Fox News
Just one hot dog a day could raise disease risk, study suggests, but some cite caveats
A new meta-analysis from the University of Washington suggests that no amount of processed food is safe to consume. Researchers analyzed 77 different studies to gauge the link between certain amounts of these foods and common chronic diseases. "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," lead study author Demewoz Haile, a research scientist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, told Fox News Digital. "There is no safe level of habitual consumption of these food groups, so they should not be included in our daily diet," he stated. For processed meats in particular, the researchers concluded that eating as little as 0.6 to 57 grams per day was linked to an 11% greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Consuming between 0.78 and 55 grams per day was associated with a 7% increase in colorectal cancer risk, the study found. (One hot dog, which is made up of almost entirely processed meat, is approximately 50 grams.) The researchers also analyzed the impact of sugar-sweetened beverages, finding that drinking between 1.5 and 390 grams per day could raise type 2 diabetes risk by 8%. Consuming between 0 and 365 grams of the beverages could increase the risk of ischemic heart disease — the most common type of heart disease and a leading cause of death — by 2%, the study found. Trans fatty acids were also analyzed in the study. When the unsaturated fats made up anywhere from 0.25% to 2.56% of daily energy intake, they were linked to a 3% greater risk of ischemic heart disease. "There is no safe level of habitual consumption of these food groups." (Some examples of trans fats include crackers, cookies, baked goods, frozen pizza, coffee creamer, refrigerated dough products, and vegetable shortenings and some stick margarines, according to WebMD. Some fast foods also contain it.) The findings were published in the journal Nature Medicine on June 30. Previous studies have established the link between processed foods and chronic disease, Haile acknowledged. "However, our study evaluated the shape of the relationship with the most recent studies, using a more advanced analytical method, and objectively assessed the strength of the evidence," he noted. "Our analysis showed that the strongest association is observed at lower exposure levels equivalent to a serving or less, which implies that consuming these food items on a regular basis at any amount increases the risk of adverse health outcomes." While the researchers recognized that diet is a "personal choice" and that some may be limited in food choices, they recommend limiting or eliminating consumption of processed foods. "Our findings support what is widely recommended, including by the WHO and CDC: Avoid or reduce to the minimum possible level the consumption of processed meats, sugary drinks and artificial trans fats," Haile told Fox News Digital. "Individuals who regularly consume these foods, even in small amounts, should be aware of the increased risk of chronic diseases." The major limitations of this study are associated with dietary intake assessment, Haile acknowledged. "Almost all of the included studies used food frequency questionnaires to assess intake, which can introduce measurement errors, primarily due to difficulties experienced by respondents in recalling long-term intake," he told Fox News Digital. Several studies included in the analysis only looked at consumption at the start of the study, Haile noted — "which might not accurately reflect the future dietary habits of the study participants." Also, the study only looked at a limited set of health outcomes for each dietary risk factor. "Consequently, our study may underestimate the total health loss associated with these foods," Haile said. "We also observed substantial variation across existing literature, which implies that high-quality research is still needed to strengthen the evidence and reduce uncertainty." Dr. Nick Norwitz, M.D., PhD, a Harvard-educated clinical researcher and metabolic health educator, acknowledged that the study shows a "relatively consistent association" between higher processed meat intake and worse health outcomes, but pointed out some caveats. "These are associations — not necessarily causal relationships," Norwitz, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. Additionally, as the researchers themselves acknowledged, the quality of the evidence was graded as "weak," Norwitz pointed out. "At the end of the day, the office donut or bottle of soda is almost certainly doing more metabolic damage than a slice of deli turkey." "While these large studies have certain strengths, one key weakness is that they lump together many different foods within a single category," the researcher went on. "There are various ways to process meats, and not all will have the same biological consequences." While it's "certainly feasible" that processed meat can contribute to poor health outcomes, Norwitz said that more research is needed to confirm the meta-analysis' claims. "At the end of the day, the office donut or bottle of soda is almost certainly doing more metabolic damage than a slice of deli turkey," he added. A spokesperson from the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) sent the below statement to Fox News Digital regarding the study. "We have not read the [full] report, but the abstract in the paper itself states that the assertions reflect 'weak relationships or inconsistent input evidence' and that more research is necessary. We would like to know how the paper defined 'processed meat,' or if the researchers weighed any supposed risks against the proven benefits of nutrients and protein found in meat." For more Health articles, visit In the study, the researchers defined processed meat as "any meat preserved by smoking, curing, salting or the addition of chemical preservatives." Fox News Digital also reached out to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for comment.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Just one hot dog a day may increase risk of diabetes and colorectal Cancer, researchers warn
A new analysis of global dietary studies has found compelling evidence that even small amounts of processed meat may raise the risk of serious chronic diseases. According to researchers, there is no "safe amount" of processed meat consumption when it comes to the risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and ischemic heart disease. The findings, published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine , are based on data from over 60 previous studies evaluating the impact of processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and industrial trans fatty acids on human health. While the study is based on observational data and cannot directly prove causation, the consistency and volume of evidence make a strong case for reducing intake of these food items, researchers said. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scientists: Tinnitus? When tinnitus won't go away, do this (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo Processed foods, sugary beverages, and disease risk The study found that eating as little as one hot dog per day increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by 11 per cent and colorectal cancer by 7 per cent compared to those who ate none. Live Events Similarly, consuming a single 12-ounce sugary beverage daily was associated with an 8 per cent higher risk of type 2 diabetes and a 2 per cent increased risk of ischemic heart disease. 'These findings support earlier research, reinforcing that minimizing intake of processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and trans fats is crucial to improving health outcomes,' said Dr. Demewoz Haile, lead author and research scientist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in Seattle. Dr. Nita Forouhi, head of nutritional epidemiology at the University of Cambridge, who was not involved in the study, said that even low levels of habitual consumption pose measurable risks. 'There is no safe threshold for processed meat consumption. Why do these processed foods pose a risk Experts point to several mechanisms by which these foods affect health. Processed meats like bacon, sausages, and deli meats are often preserved with nitrites, which can form carcinogenic compounds in the stomach. Sugar-sweetened beverages contribute to inflammation and metabolic imbalances that heighten the risk of weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Though trans fatty acids are less common today due to regulatory bans in many countries, they are still found in some processed and packaged foods. These fats reduce good cholesterol (HDL) and raise bad cholesterol (LDL), contributing to plaque buildup in arteries and heart disease. Dr. Gunter Kuhnle, from the University of Reading, told ABC-affiliated WTAE that lifestyle factors often coincide with poor dietary choices. He noted that people consuming more processed food are often affected by broader social determinants of health, including stress, limited access to healthcare, and lower income levels. How to balance nutrition, then? Still, experts caution against extreme dietary changes based on fear. 'The goal isn't perfection but a healthy, balanced approach,' said Kuhnle. Enjoy food, but aim for moderation, less processed meat and sugary drinks, more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fermented dairy.' Dr. Forouhi added that improving diet quality isn't only about avoiding harmful foods but also about increasing intake of beneficial ones. A holistic dietary pattern, rather than rigid restriction, is the best path forward for long-term health and well-being.
