Key points from article :
A new international study led by Dr. Eduardo Nilson from Brazil suggests a potential link between diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and early death. Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the study used data from eight countries, including the UK and the US, to estimate the health impact of consuming foods like processed meats, sugary drinks, instant noodles, and packaged snacks—products often packed with additives and artificial ingredients.
The researchers estimate that in countries with high UPF consumption, such as the UK and US, up to 14% of premature deaths could be attributed to these foods. In contrast, countries like Colombia and Brazil, where UPF consumption is lower, saw smaller impacts—around 4% of early deaths. Although the study can't definitively prove cause and effect, it supports growing concerns about the health effects of industrial food processing.
Experts agree there are still questions to answer. Some say it's unclear whether it’s the processing itself or the high levels of fat, salt, and sugar in UPFs that pose the main risk. Others caution that lifestyle factors—such as exercise, income, and overall diet—may play a stronger role. Still, with consistent findings across global studies, UPFs are increasingly viewed as more than just a dietary bystander.
While the food industry defends processed products as part of a balanced diet, the researchers urge governments to update dietary guidelines to reflect emerging evidence. The debate continues, but the message is clear: reducing UPFs could be a step toward better long-term health.
