A first-of-its-kind study found that one in five premature deaths was directly linked to ultra-processed foods. Calorie-dense foods like pizza, cakes, and hot dogs are often loaded with sugar, salt, and fat, increasing the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
Researchers in Brazil estimate that nearly 57,000 deaths of Brazilians aged 30 to 69 in 2019 were caused by highly ultra-processed foods.
ACCOUNTS TO 22 PERCENT OF DEATH
These rates accounted for approximately 22 percent of deaths from preventable diseases and 10 percent of all premature deaths in that age group.
Experts said the estimated impact would be even greater in high-income countries such as the US, Canada and the UK, where consumption of junk food is higher.
The head of the study, a nutritionist at the University of São Paulo, Dr. Eduardo Nilson said in a statement: “Consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with many disease outcomes, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers and other diseases, and is the cause of preventable deaths and premature deaths among adults in Brazil. To our knowledge, no studies to date have estimated the potential impact of ultra-processed foods on premature death. “Knowing the deaths attributable to consumption of these foods and modeling how changes in diets can support more effective food policies can prevent disease and premature death.”
More than 10 percent of deaths among Brazilians aged 30-69 in 2019 were caused by a diet consisting of frozen meals, meats, sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods such as cakes.
WHAT DOES ULTRA PROCESSED FOOD MEAN?
Ultra-processed foods typically contain more artificial ingredients than natural ones. These foods are made from substances extracted from foods such as oils, starches, added sugars, and hydrogenated oils.
Highly processed foods range from cheese to meat, cereals to pizza, and have long been considered less healthy alternatives to natural whole foods.