Ultra-Processed Food Linked to 32 Harmful Health Effects, Including Heart Disease and Cancer: Largest Review Finds
A groundbreaking study has revealed that ultra-processed food (UPF) is directly linked to a staggering 32 harmful effects on health. These effects include a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, adverse mental health, and even early death. The study, which is the largest review of its kind, highlights the alarming consequences of consuming UPF such as cereals, protein bars, fizzy drinks, ready meals, and fast food.
The findings are particularly concerning considering the rapidly rising global consumption of UPF. In both the UK and the US, more than half of the average diet now consists of ultra-processed food. Shockingly, for some individuals, especially those who are younger, poorer, or from disadvantaged areas, a diet comprising as much as 80% UPF is typical.
The comprehensive review, published in the BMJ, involved experts from leading institutions such as Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the US, the University of Sydney, and Sorbonne University in France. The researchers concluded that diets high in UPF may be harmful to various aspects of health. They emphasized the urgent need for measures to target and reduce exposure to UPF in order to improve human health.
Ultra-processed foods undergo multiple industrial processes and often contain additives such as colors, emulsifiers, flavors, and preservatives. These products are typically high in added sugar, fat, and/or salt but low in essential vitamins and fiber. Previous studies have already linked UPF to poor health, but this review provides a comprehensive assessment of the evidence in this area.
To bridge the gap in knowledge, researchers conducted an umbrella review, which is a high-level evidence summary. They analyzed 45 distinct pooled meta-analyses from 14 review articles that associated UPF with adverse health outcomes. The review articles, all published within the past three years, involved a staggering 9.9 million people. Importantly, none of the studies were funded by companies involved in the production of UPF.
The results of the review were striking. Higher exposure to UPF consistently showed an increased risk of 32 adverse health outcomes. Convincing evidence demonstrated that higher UPF intake was associated with a 50% increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death, a 48 to 53% higher risk of anxiety and common mental disorders, and a 12% greater risk of type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, highly suggestive evidence indicated that higher UPF intake was associated with a 21% greater risk of death from any cause, a 40 to 66% increased risk of heart disease-related death, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and sleep problems, as well as a 22% increased risk of depression.
While there is also evidence for associations between UPF and asthma, gastrointestinal health, certain cancers, and cardiometabolic risk factors, the researchers caution that the evidence for these links remains limited.
It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the umbrella review. The researchers couldn’t rule out the possibility that other unmeasured factors and variations in assessing UPF intake may have influenced their results. Additionally, experts not involved in the research highlighted that much of the included studies were weak and cautioned that the findings do not prove cause and effect.
However, Dr. Chris van Tulleken, an associate professor at University College London and one of the world’s leading UPF experts, supports the findings. He states that they are “entirely consistent” with numerous independent studies that have linked a diet high in UPF to multiple damaging health outcomes, including early death. Dr. van Tulleken explains that UPFs have a poor nutritional profile, often being high in saturated fat, salt, and free sugar. Furthermore, the way these foods are processed and marketed drives excess consumption, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
In a linked editorial, academics from Brazil highlight that UPFs are often made from chemically manipulated cheap ingredients and are made palatable and attractive through the use of various additives. They call for UN agencies, along with member states, to develop and implement a framework convention on ultra-processed foods similar to the framework on tobacco.
In a separate study published in the Lancet Public Health, researchers suggest that implementing calorie labeling on menus in restaurants, fast food outlets, cafes, pubs, and takeaways could prevent over 9,000 heart disease-related deaths in England over the next two decades.
These findings serve as a wake-up call for individuals and policymakers alike. It is crucial to prioritize the reduction of UPF consumption and promote healthier alternatives to protect public health and prevent the devastating consequences associated with these highly processed foods.
