Consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with an elevated likelihood of developing or succumbing to numerous adverse health conditions, as indicated by a recent analysis of 45 meta-analyses encompassing nearly 10 million individuals.
The study, published in The BMJ journal on Wednesday, revealed that heightened consumption of these foods can pose various health risks, including an increased likelihood of developing cancer, significant cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes, sleep disturbances, mental health issues, and premature mortality.
Ultra-processed foods, described as products subjected to extensive industrial processing and often containing additives such as colors, emulsifiers, as well as flavors, encompass items like packaged baked goods along with snacks, carbonated soft drinks, sugary cereals, instant noodles, as well as other ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat meals, according to a press release.
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Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Health Risks
Researchers discovered compelling evidence indicating that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods elevates the risk of obesity by 55%, sleep disorders by 41%, onset of type 2 diabetes by 40%, and susceptibility to depression by 20%.
However, the analysis revealed limited evidence linking the consumption of ultra-processed foods with asthma, gastrointestinal health issues, and cardiometabolic risk factors like elevated blood lipids and reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Furthermore, the study observed only suggestive or inconclusive evidence regarding the association between ultra-processed foods and cancer. This outcome is unexpected, particularly in light of Zhang’s previous research on the relationship between ultra-processed foods and cancer.
One explanation for this surprising outcome is the nascent stage of research on ultra-processed foods, as noted by study coauthor Mathilde Touvier, research director at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, a public research organization.
Limited Proof: Ultra-Processed Foods and Asthma, GI Health
However, the evidence regarding a potential correlation with conditions such as asthma and gastrointestinal health, although still indicating an association between ultra-processed foods and adverse health outcomes, remains more limited.
While previous studies have highlighted the negative health implications and addictive nature of processed foods, this research offers a comprehensive assessment of the evidence in this domain by synthesizing the findings from numerous studies conducted within the past three years, involving nearly 10 million participants in total.
Furthermore, the findings serve as a wake-up call for consumers in the United States and other high-income nations, where ultra-processed foods contribute to as much as 58% of total daily calorie intake, as highlighted in the review.