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Eating More Ultraprocessed Foods Increases Risk of Early Death, Study Shows
A new study has found that eating more ultraprocessed foods increases the risk of dying early from any cause. This research looked at over 240,000 people and analyzed the relationship between ultraprocessed foods and premature death.
What Are Ultraprocessed Foods?
Ultraprocessed foods are products that contain little to no whole food ingredients. They are often made with cheap, chemically processed ingredients and synthetic additives. Examples include:
- Packaged snacks (chips, cookies)
- Bakery items (doughnuts, cakes)
- Ready-to-eat meals (frozen dinners, fast food)
- Breakfast cereals
- Sweetened beverages (sodas, diet drinks)
Key Findings of the Study
The study found that:
- For every 10% increase in calories from ultraprocessed foods, the risk of dying prematurely rose by about 3%.
- This increased risk is especially significant for people aged 30 to 69—an age range when dying prematurely is considered abnormal.
The NOVA Classification System
To understand ultraprocessed foods better, researchers use the NOVA system, which divides foods into four categories:
- Unprocessed or minimally processed foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, meat, milk).
- Culinary ingredients (e.g., salt, oils, herbs).
- Processed foods (e.g., canned vegetables, frozen fruit).
- Ultraprocessed foods (e.g., packaged snacks, sugary drinks, ready-to-eat meals).
Ultraprocessed foods fall into the fourth category and are made with little to no whole food.
Health Risks Linked to Ultraprocessed Foods
Other studies have shown that eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to various health issues:
- Cardiovascular disease: A study in 2024 found that people who ate more ultraprocessed food had a 50% higher risk of dying from heart disease.
- Mental health: Consuming more ultraprocessed foods may increase the risk of anxiety by 53%, depression by 20%, and sleep disorders by 41%.
- Obesity and diabetes: A higher intake is also associated with a 55% higher risk of obesity and a 40% higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Cancer: Research has shown that eating more ultraprocessed foods may increase the risk of cancers, particularly in the upper digestive tract.
Global Impact of Ultraprocessed Foods
A global study estimated that as much as 70% of the food supply in the U.S. is ultraprocessed. In countries with high ultraprocessed food consumption (like the U.S.), eliminating these foods could prevent thousands of premature deaths.
- In the U.S.: If ultraprocessed foods were eliminated, more than 124,000 deaths could have been prevented in 2017.
- In Brazil: A reduction in ultraprocessed foods could prevent 25,000 deaths in 2017.
- In Colombia: Eliminating ultraprocessed foods could have prevented nearly 3,000 deaths in 2015.
Expert Opinions
- Carlos Augusto Monteiro, one of the study’s authors, explains that ultraprocessed foods may be harmful because they are made with synthetic ingredients that the body cannot fully adapt to.
- Sarah Gallo, from the Consumer Brands Association, argues that ultraprocessed foods are often affordable and convenient, and demonizing them could lead to worse health outcomes, especially for people who rely on them for basic nutrition.
Is It Possible to Avoid Ultraprocessed Foods?
While it’s unrealistic to completely avoid ultraprocessed foods, experts suggest that reducing their consumption could lead to better health outcomes. The key is balance and focusing on whole, minimally processed foods.
Conclusion
The research highlights the risks of eating too many ultraprocessed foods, including early death, heart disease, and mental health problems. While the exact causal relationship is not fully proven, the connection between ultraprocessed food consumption and health issues is clear.
References:
- Monteiro, C. A., et al. “Ultraprocessed foods and health outcomes: a review.” The BMJ, 2024.
- Zhang, F. F., et al. “Dietary patterns and their impact on health outcomes.” Tufts University Nutrition Study, 2023.
- Nilson, E. A. F., et al. “Premature deaths linked to ultraprocessed foods: A global study.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2025.