A new global study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine on April 28 has revealed alarming findings about the deadly impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The study concluded that for every 10% increase in daily energy intake from UPFs, the risk of all-cause mortality rises by 2.7%.
In the United States alone, this could account for more than 124,000 preventable deaths each year.
Lead investigator Dr. Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson of Brazil’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation explained that UPFs are harmful not just because of their high content of sodium, trans fats, and sugars, but also because of the fundamental alterations made during industrial processing. The addition of artificial colorants, sweeteners, emulsifiers, and other additives plays a significant role in deteriorating health.
Widespread global impact
The study analyzed data from dietary surveys and mortality statistics from eight countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. The research found that:
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Colombia and Brazil had the lowest UPF intake, with less than 20% of daily energy coming from such foods.
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In Chile and Mexico, UPFs made up 20–30% of daily energy intake.
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Australia and Canada recorded higher figures at 37.5% and 43.7%, respectively.
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The United States and United Kingdom reported UPFs contributing over 50% of total daily energy intake.
Notably, the United States and United Kingdom saw the highest numbers of deaths attributable to UPF consumption, with nearly 18,000 deaths annually in the U.K. and over 124,000 in the U.S.
Christopher Gardner, a professor at Stanford University, highlighted that across all countries studied, individuals consuming the highest amounts of UPFs consistently showed higher mortality rates, regardless of the country’s average UPF consumption.
Health consequences of ultra-processed foods
Ultra-processed foods have been linked to at least 32 adverse health outcomes, including:
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Obesity
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Depression
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Cardiovascular disease
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Certain cancers
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Type 2 diabetes
A 2024 review involving nearly 9.8 million participants confirmed these links, making UPF consumption a major public health concern.
Despite growing evidence, UPF consumption remains high. In the U.S., over 73% of the food supply consists of ultra-processed foods, driven largely by convenience, accessibility, and aggressive marketing that often masks the negative aspects behind “positive” nutritional claims.
Experts call for urgent global action
Dana Hunnes, a senior dietitian at UCLA, emphasized that UPFs are stripped of natural nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and replaced with chemical additives. This alteration leads to rapid digestion, insulin resistance, fat deposition, and a host of chronic diseases.
Meanwhile, Kanwar Kelley, MD, JD, pointed out that confusing food labels and the overwhelming presence of fast foods in the U.S. contribute to high UPF consumption rates.
The study’s authors advocate for global policies that disincentivize UPF consumption and promote traditional, minimally processed foods. Dr. Nilson warned that while UPF consumption has stabilized in high-income countries, it continues to rise in low- and middle-income nations, signaling a growing global health crisis.
Changing individual dietary habits remains difficult due to cost, convenience, and ingrained food preferences. However, experts agree that public education, clearer labeling, and better food system policies are necessary to curb the rising tide of ultra-processed food-related deaths.
As the evidence mounts, reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods is emerging as a crucial step toward improving public health outcomes worldwide. Healthier eating patterns rooted in whole foods, fresh produce, and traditional diets are more important than ever to combat the modern epidemic of preventable diseases.