Could your favourite snack be causing more deaths than fentanyl? Study reveals shocking truth
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The growing prevalence of ultra-processed foods has sparked alarming new research that may change how we view their impact on health.
What was once seen as a mere convenience may be linked to more deaths than a major crisis facing the nation.
This study uncovers troubling data that connects everyday food choices to premature fatalities—here’s what you need to know.
A shocking study has revealed that ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) might be responsible for more premature deaths in the US than fentanyl.
These foods, known for their convenience, often contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and have become a staple in the American diet, making up over 70 per cent of the food supply.
Australians also consume a significant amount of UPFs, with research showing that these foods contribute to 40 to 42 per cent of their daily energy intake.
Consumption of UPFs has been linked to a growing list of health issues, including obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
A study analysing data from the US and seven other countries examined the impact of UPFs on premature, preventable deaths, including foods like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, processed meats, and sweetened breakfast cereals.
‘We looked at the risk of a person dying from eating more ultra-processed foods between the ages of 30 and 69, a time when it would be premature to die,’ said Carlos Augusto Monteiro, co-author of the study.
The team found that for every 10 per cent increase in calories from UPFs, the risk of early death rose by nearly 3 per cent.
The findings were published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine under the title, ‘Premature Mortality Attributable to Ultraprocessed Food Consumption in 8 Countries’.
Previous studies had linked UPFs to 32 negative health outcomes, including an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues.
In 2018, over 124,000 premature deaths in the US were attributed to UPF consumption, said lead investigator Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson.
To put that in perspective, nearly 74,000 Americans died from a fentanyl overdose in 2022.
Fernandes Nilson and his team developed a computer model to estimate the percentage of premature deaths caused by UPFs based on data from almost 240,000 people and 15,000 deaths.
The results varied between countries, with Colombia experiencing a 4 per cent risk, while the US and the UK saw nearly 14 per cent of premature deaths linked to UPF consumption.
Other countries studied included Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Canada, and Australia.
‘The findings support that ultra-processed food intake contributes significantly to the overall burden of disease in many countries, and its reduction should be included in national dietary guideline recommendations and addressed in public policies,’ the researchers wrote.
However, the study has faced criticism.
Nerys Astbury, an associate professor of diet and obesity at the University of Oxford, pointed out that the study could not definitively determine whether UPF consumption directly caused the deaths.
Sarah Gallo, senior vice president of product policy for the Consumer Brands Association, which represents the food industry, also criticised the research.
‘This is another example of a misleading study that will ultimately lead to consumer confusion. Currently, there is no scientific agreement on the definition of ultra-processed foods,’ Gallo said.
She added: ‘Demonising convenient, affordable and shelf-ready food and beverage products could limit access to and cause avoidance of nutrient-dense foods, resulting in decreased diet quality, increased risk of food-borne illness and exacerbated health disparities.’
In a previous story, we explored the hidden dangers lurking in seemingly innocent foods.
Now, we’re diving deeper into the rise of ultraprocessed options that many of us unknowingly consume.
To get the full picture, check out the full details here.
As research continues to uncover the hidden risks of our daily food choices, what steps do you think should be taken to tackle the growing consumption of UPFs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
What was once seen as a mere convenience may be linked to more deaths than a major crisis facing the nation.
This study uncovers troubling data that connects everyday food choices to premature fatalities—here’s what you need to know.
A shocking study has revealed that ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) might be responsible for more premature deaths in the US than fentanyl.
These foods, known for their convenience, often contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and have become a staple in the American diet, making up over 70 per cent of the food supply.
Australians also consume a significant amount of UPFs, with research showing that these foods contribute to 40 to 42 per cent of their daily energy intake.
Consumption of UPFs has been linked to a growing list of health issues, including obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
A study analysing data from the US and seven other countries examined the impact of UPFs on premature, preventable deaths, including foods like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, processed meats, and sweetened breakfast cereals.
‘We looked at the risk of a person dying from eating more ultra-processed foods between the ages of 30 and 69, a time when it would be premature to die,’ said Carlos Augusto Monteiro, co-author of the study.
The team found that for every 10 per cent increase in calories from UPFs, the risk of early death rose by nearly 3 per cent.
The findings were published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine under the title, ‘Premature Mortality Attributable to Ultraprocessed Food Consumption in 8 Countries’.
Previous studies had linked UPFs to 32 negative health outcomes, including an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues.
In 2018, over 124,000 premature deaths in the US were attributed to UPF consumption, said lead investigator Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson.
To put that in perspective, nearly 74,000 Americans died from a fentanyl overdose in 2022.
Fernandes Nilson and his team developed a computer model to estimate the percentage of premature deaths caused by UPFs based on data from almost 240,000 people and 15,000 deaths.
The results varied between countries, with Colombia experiencing a 4 per cent risk, while the US and the UK saw nearly 14 per cent of premature deaths linked to UPF consumption.
Other countries studied included Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Canada, and Australia.
‘The findings support that ultra-processed food intake contributes significantly to the overall burden of disease in many countries, and its reduction should be included in national dietary guideline recommendations and addressed in public policies,’ the researchers wrote.
However, the study has faced criticism.
Nerys Astbury, an associate professor of diet and obesity at the University of Oxford, pointed out that the study could not definitively determine whether UPF consumption directly caused the deaths.
Sarah Gallo, senior vice president of product policy for the Consumer Brands Association, which represents the food industry, also criticised the research.
‘This is another example of a misleading study that will ultimately lead to consumer confusion. Currently, there is no scientific agreement on the definition of ultra-processed foods,’ Gallo said.
She added: ‘Demonising convenient, affordable and shelf-ready food and beverage products could limit access to and cause avoidance of nutrient-dense foods, resulting in decreased diet quality, increased risk of food-borne illness and exacerbated health disparities.’
In a previous story, we explored the hidden dangers lurking in seemingly innocent foods.
Now, we’re diving deeper into the rise of ultraprocessed options that many of us unknowingly consume.
To get the full picture, check out the full details here.
As research continues to uncover the hidden risks of our daily food choices, what steps do you think should be taken to tackle the growing consumption of UPFs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
