A groundbreaking study reveals a shocking link between the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and premature death, with four major Anglosphere economies having some of the highest rates of mortality attributed to these foods.
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Brazil‘s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation has revealed a shocking link between the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and premature death. The investigation, which analyzed data from eight countries, including nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality data, found a strong correlation between high intakes of ultra-processed foods and increased rates of mortality.
Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made from a mixture of ingredients, including oils, fats, sugars, starches, and emulsifiers.
They are designed to be highly palatable and have a long shelf life.
Examples include packaged snacks, frozen meals, and sugary drinks.
According to the NOVA food classification system, ultra-processed foods account for approximately 50% of total energy intake in many countries.
Consuming high amounts of these foods has been linked to various health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Ultraprocessed foods are those that undergo industrial processing and modification using food-derived substances such as fats, starches, and proteins. These products often contain additives like artificial coloring, flavor enhancers, and preservatives, which have been linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline.
The study’s findings are not unique to Brazil or any one country. In fact, four major Anglosphere economies – Australia, Canada, the UK, and US – have some of the highest rates of premature death attributed to ultraprocessed food consumption. This is a stark contrast to countries with stronger food cultures, such as Japan, Italy, and France, where diets high in ultra-processed foods are less common.
Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made from a mixture of ingredients, including added sugars, fats, and sodium.
According to the NOVA classification system, ultra-processed foods account for approximately 50% of daily energy intake in many countries.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting ultra-processed food intake to less than 1/3 of total daily energy.
The study’s lead author, Eduardo Nilson, emphasizes the importance of adopting a whole-of-diet approach to understand the impact of ultraprocessed foods on mortality risk. ‘We should look at the pattern of the diet,’ he says. ‘Policy has to think of the food system as a whole.’ To achieve this, Nilson recommends a mix of economic measures, including taxes to penalize unhealthy foods, labelling systems, and affordability initiatives for unprocessed products.
In recent years, some countries have begun to take steps towards reducing their reliance on ultraprocessed foods. The US, for example, has asked food manufacturers to voluntarily phase out artificial additives from their products. PepsiCo and WK Kellogg have already made the switch to natural dyes in their products.
As the world grapples with the challenges of premature death and disease, it’s clear that a new era of food policy is needed. By adopting a more holistic approach to nutrition and public health, we can create a healthier, more sustainable food system for all. The Brazilian study’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of this task and the need for urgent action.
Food policy refers to a set of laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern the production, processing, distribution, and consumption of food.
It encompasses various aspects, including food safety, labeling, and nutrition standards.
In many countries, food policy is shaped by government agencies, international organizations, and industry stakeholders.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , over 600 million people fall ill after consuming contaminated food each year, highlighting the importance of effective food policy.
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, and promoting healthy eating habits through food policy initiatives.
