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Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially manufactured foods that are designed to be convenient, palatable, and affordable. These foods often contain multiple ingredients and additives such as preservatives, sweeteners, colorings, and emulsifiers, which are not typically found in home kitchens. They tend to be low in fiber and high in calories, salt, added sugar and fat, which are all related to poor health outcomes when eaten excessively. Common examples include packaged snacks, soft drinks, ready meals, and processed meats.[1][2]
Consuming ultra-processed foods has serious negative health effects on human health. They are a leading cause of preventable chronic illnesses and premature death globally. For example, about 678,000 Americans die each year from chronic food illnesses, a toll higher than all combat deaths in American history combined.[3][4] Consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a significantly higher risk of obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, diets high in these foods can increase the risk of all-cause mortality by 29%.[5][6]
- ^ "Ultra-processed foods are associated with increased risk of cancer and cardiometabolic multimorbidity". International Agency for Research on Cancer. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ^ "What we know about the health risks of ultra-processed foods". Georgia Public Broadcasting. 26 May 2023. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ^ "Processed foods make us sick: It's time for government action". Harvard Public Health. March 2023. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ^ "How many US military members died in each American war?". Military.com. 15 May 2020. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ^ "What we know about the health risks of ultra-processed foods". Houston Public Media. 25 May 2023. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ^ "Processed foods make us sick: It's time for government action". Harvard Public Health. March 2023. Retrieved 2024-07-12.