Study of 9 Million Adults Ties Ultra-Processed Foods to 25% Higher Chronic Disease Risk
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Sep 25
Study of 9 Million Adults Ties Ultra-Processed Foods to 25% Higher Chronic Disease Risk
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Sep 25
Summary
More than 50 studies covering nearly 9 million adults found diets heavy in ultra-processed foods raised the risk of cardiovascular events, diabetes and obesity by nearly a quarter.
The analysis also linked those diets to 27% higher risks of depression and anxiety and a 31% higher risk of digestive disease, while each extra 100 grams a day was associated with 4% higher cancer risk and 3% higher all-cause mortality.
Researchers said additives may combine in a harmful “cocktail effect,” while earlier evidence has tied ultra-processed foods to gut damage, inflammation, insulin resistance and compounds formed during processing that may raise cardiovascular risk.
The findings add to growing concern because about 60% of the U.S. diet is ultra-processed; the study relied on food journals and questionnaires, and researchers noted some ultra-processed foods such as yogurt and hummus are better options than typical junk foods.