Washington DC, April 30
A study analyzing data from nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality data from eight countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United Kingdom, and United States) shows that premature deaths attributable to consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) increase significantly according to their share in individuals' total energy intake
The new study, appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, reinforces the call for global action to reduce UPF consumption, supported by regulatory and fiscal policies that foster healthier environments.
UPFs are ready-to-eat-or-heat industrial formulations that are made with ingredients extracted from foods or synthesised in laboratories, with little or no whole foods in their composition.
These have gradually been replacing traditional foods and meals made from fresh and minimally processed ingredients.
Lead investigator of the study, Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, DSc, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Brazil, says,
"UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients (sodium, trans fats, and sugar) because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients, including colorants, artificial flavors and sweeteners, emulsifiers, and many other additives and processing aids, so assessing deaths from all-causes associated with UPF consumption allows an overall estimate of the effect of industrial food processing on health."
While previous studies focused on specific dietary risk factors instead of food patterns, the current study modeled data from nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality data from eight countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United Kingdom, and United States) to link dietary patterns, considering the extent and purpose of industrial food processing, to deaths from all causes.
High consumption of UPFs has been associated with 32 different diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, some types of cancer, and depression.
For the first time, this study has estimated the burden of UPF intake on premature deaths from all causes in different countries, showing that the attributable mortality is significant in all settings and that addressing UPF consumption should be a global public nutrition priority.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is so alarming! In India too, we're seeing more packaged snacks and instant noodles replacing home-cooked meals. Our traditional thali system was so balanced, but now even kids prefer burgers and chips. Government should impose stricter food labeling laws 🚨
The study misses Indian data, but we're following the same dangerous trend. Maggi and biscuits have become breakfast staples in urban homes. Time to bring back our millets and traditional snacks like makhana and roasted chana!
While the study is important, we can't ignore economic realities. For working couples, processed foods save time. Instead of just warnings, we need affordable healthy alternatives that fit modern lifestyles. Maybe govt can subsidize meal kits with traditional recipes?
The food industry lobby is too strong in India. Remember how Maggi bounced back after the lead controversy? We need stronger regulations like front-of-pack warning labels and taxes on ultra-processed foods, similar to cigarettes. Health should come before profits!
My grandmother lived till 92 eating fresh, seasonal food cooked at home. Today's generation survives on instant foods and then spends lakhs on hospitals. Irony hai na? 😔 We need nutrition education in schools from primary level itself.
The study focuses on Western countries, but India's problem is different - we're seeing DOUBLE burden of malnutrition. While urban areas overdose on processed foods, rural poor still lack nutrition. Need balanced policies addressing both extremes.
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