Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 28: A groundbreaking global study has unveiled a disturbing link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and a significant rise in preventable premature deaths. The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, highlights the dangers posed by ready-to-eat or heat foods, which are typically high in sodium, trans fats, and sugar, and are increasingly being linked to a variety of chronic health conditions.

Conducted across eight countries—Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States—the study found a direct correlation between higher UPF consumption and an increased risk of early death. The findings suggest that as the share of UPFs in an individual’s daily caloric intake rises, so too does the likelihood of dying prematurely from preventable causes.

UPFs are industrially manufactured products that undergo heavy processing, often containing little to no whole food ingredients. These foods are laden with artificial additives, including preservatives, colorants, and sweeteners, which pose additional risks to health. Experts say that the harmful effects of UPFs extend beyond their unhealthy nutrient content, as the extensive processing involved can fundamentally alter their natural nutritional value.

Eduardo AF Nilson, the lead researcher from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, explained that each 10% increase in UPF consumption raises the risk of death from all causes by 3%. The study revealed that countries with higher UPF consumption, such as the US, are witnessing nearly 14% of premature deaths linked to these foods, while countries with lower consumption, like Colombia, face a lower but still concerning figure of 4%.

The research also pointed to an alarming trend of rising UPF consumption in low- and middle-income countries, with the intake of these processed foods steadily growing in regions where it was once less prevalent. This shift is exacerbating the overall burden on public health systems globally.

In light of these findings, experts are calling for urgent global policy interventions. The study advocates for regulatory measures and fiscal policies that encourage the consumption of fresh, minimally processed foods while discouraging the intake of UPFs. As Nilson stated, promoting traditional dietary habits rooted in local, fresh ingredients is crucial in addressing this growing public health crisis.