Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of multiple chronic diseases among 8,819,894 adults from 51 prospective cohorts: a dose-response meta-analysis.
Xiao Liu, Shengwei Luo, Yunting Zeng et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis examined the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and the risk of chronic diseases in 8,819,894 adults across 51 prospective cohorts. The study found that higher UPF intake was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events (HR 1.24), cancer (HR 1.12), obesity (HR 1.23), and all-cause mortality (HR 1.18), among others, indicating significant health implications linked to UPF consumption.
Key findings
- Higher UPF consumption was linked to cardiovascular events (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.36).
- Each additional 100 g/day of UPFs increased the risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05).
- UPF intake was associated with a 1.27 times higher risk of depression/anxiety (95% CI 1.15 to 1.40).
- The risk of obesity/overweight increased by 23% with higher UPF consumption (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.30).
Why it matters
The findings highlight the potential health risks associated with ultra-processed food consumption, which is increasingly prevalent. Understanding these associations can inform dietary recommendations and public health strategies aimed at reducing chronic disease incidence.