In a comprehensive analysis spanning over a decade, researchers have uncovered unsettling evidence linking consumption of ultra-processed foods to 32 adverse health outcomes. Conducted as a systematic umbrella review, the study examined existing meta-analyses from various databases, including MEDLINE and PsycINFO, covering data from 2009 to June 2023.

The analysis, which encompassed a staggering 9,888,373 individuals, identified 45 unique pooled analyses. Shockingly, direct associations were found between exposure to ultra-processed foods and a myriad of health issues, including mortality, multiple cancers, mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, obesity, and metabolic health problems.

Specifically, they reported a 50% increased risk of deaths related to cardiovascular disease, a 12% high risk of diabetes, up to a 53% high risk of anxiety and mental disorders, and a 22% increased of depression.

Overall, high intake of ultra-processed foods was found to be associated with a 21% increased risk of death.

The study highlights the importance of eating a healthy, unprocessed foods for good health and for policies to ensure this happens because it is way better to feel good eating heathy foods than purposely crippling yourself eating unhealthy, addictive foods.

The study was published in BMJ.

MM Lane et al. Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses. The BMJ (2024). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-077310