London, UK: Consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPF) like bread, cakes, and ready meals increases the risk of premature death, according to an international study.
The research, involving countries such as the US, England, and Brazil, reveals that each 10 percent increase in UPF intake raises the risk of dying before 75 by 3 percent.
The study highlights that UPF consumption is responsible for one in seven premature deaths in some countries, with 124,107 early deaths annually in the US and 17,781 in England.
The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, identifies the harmful effects of additives such as sweeteners, artificial flavors, and colorants, in addition to the high levels of fat, salt, and sugar found in UPF.
International Survey
A linear relationship between UPF consumption and all-cause mortality was found in surveys from the UK, US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico. The highest percentage of premature deaths due to UPF consumption was observed in the US and England, with 13.7 percent and 13.8 percent, respectively.
Countries with the highest total energy intake from UPF, like England (53.4 percent) and the US (54.5 percent), showed the highest death rates. The study indicates that a high intake of UPF can significantly affect health, contributing to a higher risk of chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
The research underscores the importance of the changes made to food during industrial processing, including the use of artificial additives, emulsifiers, and sweeteners, which contribute to these health risks.
The study’s authors emphasize that the health burden from UPF is particularly severe in high-income countries, but it is also growing in low- and middle-income nations.
They call for stronger government action worldwide, including tighter regulations on food marketing, particularly to children, taxes on UPF products, and limitations on the sale of UPF in schools and workplaces. These measures could help reduce the widespread consumption of UPF and mitigate their harmful effects on public health.
While the study identifies an association between UPF and premature death, it does not establish direct causality. However, other studies, such as US research published in the BMJ, found that those who consume the most UPF have a higher risk of death, particularly from non-cancer and non-heart disease causes.
The study also identified processed meat, sugary foods, and ultra-processed breakfast cereals as particularly harmful.
In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson in the UK stated that, measures have already been taken to reduce the impact of junk food marketing, including restrictions on adverts aimed at children and increased powers for local authorities to block new takeaways near schools.
Additionally, ongoing research is being conducted to further explore the health impacts of UPF, to shift the focus from sickness to prevention and to reduce obesity’s burden on public services.