Junk foods put the ‘die’ in ‘diet’: Ultra-processed foods linked to early death

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Prepackaged snacks, frozen pizzas, and other ready-to-eat processed foods may seem like a time saver at the time. However, important new research finds that such dietary choices may end up stealing our time in a different way down the road. Scientists in Brazil show that consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is associated with more than 10 percent of preventable premature deaths from all causes, although that number could be even higher in the US. USA

What exactly are ultra-processed foods? Researchers define them as ready to eat or heat industrial formulations made with ingredients extracted from food or synthesized in laboratories. Real-world examples range from prepackaged soups, sauces, and frozen pizzas to hot dogs, soda, candy, and doughnuts. It’s also important to note that while this research is based on Brazilian eating habits, higher-income nations (such as the US) generally eat far more ultra-processed foods.

“Previous modeling studies have estimated the health and economic burden of critical ingredients, such as sodium, sugar, and trans fat, and specific foods or beverages, such as sugary drinks,says lead researcher Eduardo AF Nilson, ScD, Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, University of São Paulo, and Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil, in a Press release. “To our knowledge, no study to date has estimated the potential impact of UPFs on premature deaths. Knowing the deaths attributable to the consumption of these foods and modeling how changes in dietary patterns can support more effective food policies could prevent diseases and premature deaths.”

The study authors modeled data provided by nationally representative dietary surveys, estimating baseline UPF intake based on gender and age group. Statistical analyzes were then performed to estimate the proportion of total deaths attributable to consumption of ultra-processed foods, as well as the impact of reducing UPF intake by 10%, 20%, and 50% across all age groups.

Across all age/gender demographics, UPF consumption ranged from 13-21% of total food intake in Brazil during 2019. Meanwhile, 541,260 adults aged 30-69 passed away prematurely in 2019, of which 261,061 were due to preventable non-communicable diseases. The study authors’ models indicate that approximately 57,000 deaths that year can be attributed to UPF use. That number corresponds to 10.5 percent of all premature deaths and 21.8 percent of all deaths related to preventable noncommunicable diseases among adults in those age groups.

As mentioned above, researchers theorize that the detrimental health impact of UPFs is likely even greater in high-income countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where UPFs account for more than half of the population. total caloric intake.

Dr. Nilson notes that UPFs are slowly but steadily replacing the consumption of traditional whole foods, such as rice and beans, over time in Brazil. Reduce UPF intake and promote healthier food options, it may not be easy. Multiple public health interventions and measures may be needed, such as fiscal and regulatory policies, changes in food environments, strengthening the implementation of food-based dietary guidelines, and improving consumer knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.

Yes consumption of ultra-processed foods can be reduced between 10 and 50 percent, it could prevent between 5,900 and 29,300 premature deaths in Brazil annually.

“UPF consumption is associated with many disease outcomes, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some types of cancer and other diseases, and represents an important cause of premature and preventable deaths among Brazilian adults”, concludes the Dr. Nilson. “Even reducing UPF consumption to the levels of just a decade ago would reduce associated premature deaths by 21%. Policies that discourage UPF consumption are urgently needed.”

the to study is published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine.