In recent decades, ultra-processed foods (such as fast-food hamburgers, instant noodles, cakes, potato chips, etc.) have entered nearly every household. They taste good and are convenient and affordable. However, research shows that ultra-processed foods may cause serious health problems, and excessive consumption can increase the risk of death.
Excessive Consumption Increases the Risk of Early Death
Data show up to 71 percent of packaged foods sold in the United States are considered ultra-processed. Although there are differences based on education and income levels, the intake of ultra-processed foods is generally high across all socioeconomic levels.Study findings published in the British Medical Journal in May 2019 showed that consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods (more than four servings per day) increased overall mortality by 62 percent over the maximum 15-year follow-up period. For every additional daily serving of ultra-processed food consumed, overall mortality increased by 18 percent. This study followed 19,899 participants (7,786 men and 12,113 women) with an average age of 37.6 years for a median duration of 10.4 years between 1999 and 2014.
