Ultra processed foods have become a deadly staple in American diets, with devastating consequences now backed by alarming scientific evidence. A groundbreaking global study has revealed that ultra processed foods (UPFs) are responsible for more than 124,000 preventable deaths annually in the United States, making this a public health crisis that demands immediate attention.
The study found that for every 10% increase in calories from ultra processed foods, mortality risk from all causes rises by 2.7%. This relationship between UPF consumption and death rates remained consistent across all eight countries studied, regardless of their baseline consumption levels.
The deadly global pattern of ultra processed food consumption
Researchers analyzed dietary surveys and mortality data from eight nations with varying levels of ultra processed food consumption. The investigation revealed a concerning pattern: countries with higher UPF intake experienced substantially more preventable deaths.
The United States and United Kingdom showed the most alarming figures, with ultra processed foods comprising over 50% of total caloric intake in both nations. This excessive consumption translated directly to mortality statistics, with nearly 18,000 preventable deaths in the UK and over 124,000 in the United States each year.
By contrast, Colombia and Brazil had the lowest ultra processed food consumption among studied countries, with UPFs making up less than 20% of total energy intake. Chile and Mexico fell into a middle range, with ultra processed foods contributing 20-30% of daily calories. Australia and Canada showed significantly higher intake, with UPFs comprising 37.5% and 43.7% of daily energy respectively.
Nutrition scientists note that the study makes an important contribution to understanding the dangers of processed foods. The research demonstrates that higher mortality rates were consistently found among people consuming the most UPFs compared to those consuming the least, regardless of the country’s overall consumption patterns.
Why ultra processed foods pose unique health dangers
Ultra processed foods pose health threats extending far beyond their high levels of sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. These industrial creations undergo extensive manufacturing processes that fundamentally alter their composition, incorporating numerous artificial ingredients that disrupt normal bodily functions.
Researchers from the study emphasize that UPFs affect health beyond just their high content of problematic nutrients because of the changes foods undergo during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients, including colorants, artificial flavors and sweeteners, emulsifiers, and many other additives and processing aids.
These industrial alterations appear to have widespread negative health impacts. A comprehensive 2024 review involving nearly 9.8 million participants linked ultra processed food consumption to 32 adverse physical and mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders, obesity and metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, various cancers, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel conditions and premature mortality
Dietitians explain why these foods are so damaging: they are high in calories, sugar, salt, and fat, but low in nutrients. UPFs are stripped of naturally occurring health properties. Fiber is essentially removed, along with vitamins and minerals found naturally, and in their place are chemicals and adulterated foods that bear no resemblance to their natural counterparts.
America’s dangerous dependence on ultra processed foods
The study’s findings are particularly alarming for Americans, as more than 73% of the food supply in the United States consists of ultra processed products. This pervasive availability has created patterns of dependency that prove difficult to break.
Medical professionals point to convenience as a major driver of these choices. The availability of fast food and processed options in supermarkets compared to other countries where more food is prepared at home means Americans may choose these foods simply due to increased access.
This accessibility problem is compounded by misleading marketing practices. Food labeling can be confusing, as products are not advertised as “ultra processed” but instead focus on positive aspects, such as vitamin content, which may lead to consumer confusion.
The growing global health threat
While high-income countries like the United States currently show the highest consumption levels and mortality rates, the study authors highlighted a concerning trend in developing nations. In high-income countries, UPF consumption is already high but has remained relatively stable for over a decade, while in low- and middle-income countries consumption has continuously increased.
This global spread of ultra processed foods threatens to create similar public health crises worldwide, particularly in regions with less robust healthcare systems. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for policies that discourage the consumption of UPFs globally, promoting traditional dietary patterns based on local fresh and minimally processed foods.
Barriers to healthier food choices
Despite growing awareness of the dangers, changing dietary habits remains challenging for many Americans. Medical professionals observe that most people are aware of the dangers of UPFs but often choose to ignore this information. Although education at an early age may help people make healthier food choices, most consumers do not critically examine their diet and tend to choose food based on taste and convenience.
Economic factors also create significant barriers to improvement. Whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts and dairy are healthier options. Fruits as alternatives to sweets like cookies and ice cream are better choices. However, switching to healthier alternatives can be very difficult and often cost prohibitive for many people.
The study authors conclude that mortality attributed to ultra processed food intake represents a significant public health crisis requiring immediate attention. With over 124,000 preventable deaths annually in the United States alone, addressing ultra processed food consumption must become a national priority, through both individual dietary changes and broader policy interventions that make healthier options more accessible and affordable for all Americans.
