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Epoch Times
01-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Thousands of Premature Deaths Each Year
For every 10 percent increase in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in your diet, your risk of premature death rises by around 3 percent, according to a comprehensive new study that has health officials across eight nations—including the United States, Canada, and the UK—calling for immediate policy interventions. The research, recently published in the 'The evidence on the health impacts of UPFs are very compelling, with over 30 different outcomes already associated with UPF consumption, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes,' Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, the lead researcher from Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, told The Epoch Times. What Makes UPFs Harmful? According to Nilson, UPFs affect health beyond their high levels of sodium, trans fats, and sugar, which are linked to poor health outcomes when eaten excessively. Industrial processing also transforms these foods through the addition of colorants, artificial ingredients, emulsifiers, and other additives. UPFs are heavily manipulated from their original state, often containing ingredients not commonly found in home kitchens. Examples include soft drinks, chips, chocolate, packaged meals, and ready-to-eat breakfast cereals. Researchers analyzed data from nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality records in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, the UK, and the United States, finding that as the percentage of UPFs in a person's diet increases, so does the risk of premature death. Food processing can harm health through various biological and physiological mechanisms, including the creation of harmful chemicals, changes in macronutrient structure, and the addition of additives. These changes can lead to increased intake of sugar, salt, and fats, reduced satiety, and altered digestion and absorption of nutrients. Related Stories 4/19/2025 3/11/2025 The study found significant variations in UPF-related mortality between countries. Colombia had the lowest UPF consumption, with UPFs making up 15 percent of a person's total energy intake. The researchers estimate that processed foods accounted for around 4 percent of premature deaths. In the United States, which had the highest consumption—with more than 50 percent of a person's daily energy coming from UPFs—nearly 14 percent of premature deaths are linked to these foods. For context, the researchers noted that in 2018 alone, approximately 124,000 premature deaths in the United States were attributed to UPF intake. These findings build upon previous research, including a review of seven cohort studies Finding Balance in Food Choices Laura Pensiero, a registered dietitian and chef who owns Gigi Hudson Valley in New York, told The Epoch Times that while UPFs can have a significant negative impact on health if eaten in excess, she doesn't believe in completely demonizing or banning them. 'It's about finding a balance—embracing whole and minimally processed foods for daily nutrition while allowing room for occasional indulgence,' she said. 'The focus should be on nourishing your body with whole, nutrient-dense foods, and enjoying the occasional processed treat without guilt.' The 2021 study also noted that high consumption of UPFs is associated with various health issues, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, certain cancers, and depression—further adding to the growing body of evidence that UPFs are harming public health. Dr. Joel 'Gator' Warsh, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine in Studio City, emphasized the urgency of changing course. 'We need to shift our focus to prevention, real food is medicine, and cutting back on UPFs is one of the most powerful tools we have,' he told The Epoch Times. Practical Steps to Reduce UPF Consumption The main takeaway of the study is that UPFs are an important risk factor for noncommunicable diseases and that 'they are replacing the traditional, healthy diets of all countries and this is causing a significant burden to their health,' Nilson said. Reducing UPF consumption requires more than consumer education, he said. 'Food choices are influenced by price, availability, information, and other factors, and education by itself is insufficient to ensure healthy diets,' he said. 'Therefore, we need to make healthy dietary behaviors easier and more accessible and affordable.' Before you make your purchases at the grocery store, 'scour the facts,' and if you see chemical names or unfamiliar ingredients, 'it's best to stay clear,' Michelle Bacarella, a registered dietitian, food scientist, and functional food and supplement formulator, told The Epoch Times. Pensiero recommends that we begin reducing our UPF intake with small, manageable changes. 'Focus on cooking more at home with whole ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and minimize packaged foods with long ingredient lists or items not generally used in a home kitchen,' she said. Gradually replace processed snacks with healthier alternatives, such as fresh fruit or homemade granola, and read labels carefully to avoid additives and excessive sugar, she added. 'By shifting towards whole or minimally processed options, you can improve your diet without feeling restricted.'
Hindustan Times
01-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Ultra-processed foods linked to rising premature deaths: Study reveals shocking details
A study analyzing data from nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality data from eight countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United Kingdom, and United States) shows that premature deaths attributable to consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) increase significantly according to their share in individuals' total energy intake. Also read | Are ultraprocessed foods hurting your health? Experts weigh in on risks and solutions The new study, appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, reinforces the call for global action to reduce UPF consumption, supported by regulatory and fiscal policies that foster healthier environments. UPFs are ready-to-eat-or-heat industrial formulations that are made with ingredients extracted from foods or synthesised in laboratories, with little or no whole foods in their composition. These have gradually been replacing traditional foods and meals made from fresh and minimally processed ingredients. Lead investigator of the study, Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, DSc, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Brazil, says, "UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients (sodium, trans fats, and sugar) because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients, including colorants, artificial flavors and sweeteners, emulsifiers, and many other additives and processing aids, so assessing deaths from all-causes associated with UPF consumption allows an overall estimate of the effect of industrial food processing on health." Also read | Can ultra-processed foods raise cancer risk? Doctor explains the dangers While previous studies focused on specific dietary risk factors instead of food patterns, the current study modeled data from nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality data from eight countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United Kingdom, and United States) to link dietary patterns, considering the extent and purpose of industrial food processing, to deaths from all causes. High consumption of UPFs has been associated with 32 different diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, some types of cancer, and depression. For the first time, this study has estimated the burden of UPF intake on premature deaths from all causes in different countries, showing that the attributable mortality is significant in all settings and that addressing UPF consumption should be a global public nutrition priority. Also read | The problematic American diet: Study reveals how ultra-processed foods are taking over the plates Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Irish Examiner
28-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Eating large amounts of ultra-processed food increases risk of early death, study finds
Consuming large amounts of ultra-processed food (UPF) increases the risk of an early death, according to a international study that has reignited calls for a crackdown. Each 10% extra intake of UPF, such as bread, cakes and ready meals, increases someone's risk of dying before they reach 75 by 3%, according to research. UPF is so damaging to health it is implicated in as many as one in seven of all premature deaths that occur in some countries, according to a paper in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. They are associated with 124,107 early deaths in the US a year and 17,781 deaths every year in England, the review of dietary and mortality data from eight countries found. Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, the lead investigator of the study, from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil, said additives such as sweeteners and flavourings harm health, not just UPFs' high levels of fat, salt and sugar. The authors found 'a linear dose-response association between the ultra-processed food consumption and all-cause mortality' when they examined official surveys previously undertaken in the UK and US, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile and Mexico. While 4%, 5% and 6% of premature deaths in Colombia, Brazil, and Chile respectively are 'attributable to UPF consumption', the equivalent percentage is 10.9% in Canada, 13.7% in the US and 13.8% in England — the highest proportion among the eight countries. Premature deaths attributable to consumptions of ultra-processed foods increase significantly according to their share in individuals' total energy intake. A high amount of UPF intake can significantly affect health,' the study concluded. Death rates are highest in the countries where the population gets the largest amounts of total energy from eating UPF. 'We first estimated a linear association between the dietary share of UPFs and all-cause mortality, so that each 10% increase in the participation of UPFs in the diet increases the risk of death from all causes by 3%,' said Mr Nilson. 'UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients — sodium, trans fats and sugar — because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients, including colourants, artificial flavours and sweeteners, emulsifiers and many other additives and processing aids, so assessing deaths from all causes associated with UPF consumption allows an overall estimate of the effect of industrial food processing on health.' The study's authors urged governments worldwide to introduce bold measures to tackle UPF, including tighter regulation of food marketing and the sale of food in schools and workplaces, and also taxes on UPF products. The findings add to the growing body of evidence linking UPF to a higher risk of both specific illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease, and a increased risk overall of dying before 75. However, they found an association between UPF and early death, not that one definitely causes the other. US research published last year in the British Medical Journal found people who consume the most UPF have a 4% higher risk of death overall, and a 9% greater risk of dying from something other than cancer or heart disease.
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Ultra-processed foods linked to surge in early deaths, global study warns
Listen to article Consuming large amounts of ultra-processed food (UPF) significantly raises the risk of an early death, according to an international study that has intensified calls for urgent regulation. Monteiro defined ultra-processed foods as being are made from cheap, manipulated ingredients with few whole foods, and often contain synthetic additives that enhance taste, edibility, and addictiveness to make them palatable and habit forming. Research conducted across eight countries, including England and the United States, found that every 10% increase in UPF intake raises the risk of dying before the age of 75 by 3%. According to a paper in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is associated with health deterioration and contributes to one in seven premature deaths. UPFs include products such as bread, cakes, ready meals, and breakfast cereals. They are associated with 124,107 early deaths annually in the US and 17,781 in England. Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, lead investigator from Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, said that health risks stem not just from UPFs' high salt, fat, and sugar content, but also from additives like sweeteners, flavourings, and emulsifiers used during industrial processing. The author examine the official dietary and mortality data from the UK, US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico. They found a "linear dose-response association" between UPF consumption and all-cause mortality. The highest burden was seen in England and the US, where more than half of adults' energy intake comes from UPFs. In England, 53.4% of daily calories come from UPFs, while in the US it is 54.5%, according to national surveys. The risk was notably lower in middle-income countries. In Colombia, Brazil, and Chile, UPF consumption accounted for 4%, 5%, and 6% of premature deaths respectively. Nilson warned that while the problem is most severe in high-income countries, UPF consumption is rising rapidly in lower-income nations. Researchers called on governments to introduce bold measures such as regulating food marketing, limiting UPF sales in schools and workplaces, and imposing taxes on ultra-processed products. The findings add to previous evidence linking UPFs to a higher risk of cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses, While the study found a link between UPF consumption and premature mortality, it suggests that UPF is not a primary cause of early death. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said action had already been taken to restrict junk food advertising to children and to give local authorities more power to block new fast-food outlets near schools. They added that research is underway to better understand the health impacts of UPFs and to help shift health policy towards prevention.
The Guardian
28-04-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Ultra-processed food increases risk of early death, international study finds
Consuming large amounts of ultra-processed food (UPF) increases the risk of an early death, according to a international study that has reignited calls for a crackdown on UPF. Each 10% extra intake of UPF, such as bread, cakes and ready meals, increases someone's risk of dying before they reach 75 by 3%, according to research in countries including the US and England. UPF is so damaging to health that it is implicated in as many as one in seven of all premature deaths that occur in some countries, according to a paper in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. They are associated with 124,107 early deaths in the US a year and 17,781 deaths every year in England, the review of dietary and mortality data from eight countries found. Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, the lead investigator of the study, from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil, said that additives such as sweeteners and flavourings harm health not just UPFs' high levels of fat, salt and sugar. The authors found 'a linear dose-response association between the ultraprocessed food consumption and all-cause mortality' when they examined official surveys previously undertaken in the UK and US, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile and Mexico. While 4%, 5% and 6% of premature deaths in Colombia, Brazil and Chile respectively are 'attributable to UPF consumption', the equivalent percentage is 10.9% in Canada, 13.7% in the US and 13.8% in England – the highest proportion among the eight countries. 'Premature deaths attributable to consumptions of ultraprocessed foods increase significantly according to their share in individuals' total energy intake. A high amount of UPF intake can significantly affect health,' the researchers concluded. Death rates are highest in the countries where the population gets the largest amounts of total energy from eating UPF. In England that is 53.4%, according to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey undertaken in 2018-19. But it is even higher in the US – 54.5%. 'We first estimated a linear association between the dietary share of UPFs and all-cause mortality, so that each 10% increase in the participation of UPFs in the diet increases the risk of death from all causes by 3%,' said Nilson. 'UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients – sodium, trans fats and sugar – because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients, including colourants, artificial flavours and sweeteners, emulsifiers and many other additives and processing aids, so assessing deaths from all causes associated with UPF consumption allows an overall estimate of the effect of industrial food processing on health.' While the burden of ill-health from UPF is highest in high-income countries, it is growing in low- and middle-income nations, added Nilson. The authors urged governments worldwide to introduce bold measures to tackle UPF, including tighter regulation of food marketing and the sale of food in schools and workplaces, and also taxes on UPF products to reduce sales. The findings add to the growing body of evidence linking UPF to a higher risk of both specific illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease, and a increased risk overall of dying before 75. However, they found an association between UPF and early death, not that one definitely causes the other. For example, US research published last year in the BMJ found that people who consume the most UPF have a 4% higher risk of death overall and a 9% greater risk of dying from something other than cancer or heart disease. It identified processed meat, sugar and ultra-processed breakfast foods, such as cereals, as the unhealthiest UPF products. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We have already taken action to end the targeting of junk food adverts to children, across TV and online, and we have handed local authorities stronger powers to block applications for new takeaways near schools. 'We are also commissioning research to improve the evidence on the health impacts of ultra-processed foods. Through our Plan for Change, we will shift the focus from sickness to prevention, reducing the burden of obesity on public services and the NHS.'
