A groundbreaking international study has uncovered a direct link between diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and a greater risk of premature death.
The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, highlights how UPFs contribute to thousands of early deaths annually, with England and the U.S. among the hardest-hit nations.
Key Findings: The Toll of Ultra-Processed Foods
The study analyzed dietary and mortality data from eight countries, including the U.S., England, Brazil, and Canada. Researchers found that for every 10% increase in UPF consumption, the risk of early death rises by 3%. These foods—such as packaged snacks, sugary cereals, ready meals, and processed meats—are now linked to up to 14% of premature deaths in some countries.
“The additives and processing methods themselves damage health. Changes during manufacturing strip foods of natural nutrients and introduce chemicals that our bodies struggle to process.”
This aligns with growing evidence that UPFs contribute to chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and obesity, which drive early mortality.
Countries Where UPFs Dominate Diets
The study found that death rates are highest in nations where UPFs make up the largest share of daily calories:
Ultra-Processed Foods