Consumption of large amounts of ultra-processed foods linked with early death: Study - Video
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Overview
Limiting the consumption of ultra-processed foods may be crucial for reducing the risk of premature death, suggests a large-scale study involving 115,000 participants. Published in the BMJ, the research highlights a connection between high intake of ultra-processed foods—such as processed meats, sugary breakfast items, and artificially sweetened beverages—and increased mortality rates. These foods, characterized by their industrial formulations and low nutritional value, are designed to trigger cravings and are often lacking in essential nutrients like fiber and vitamins.
The study uncovered associations between heavy consumption of ultra-processed foods and a heightened risk of dying prematurely, particularly from neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and dementia. Notably, certain items within the ultra-processed category, such as processed meats and sugary snacks, were linked to greater harm. However, the findings underscored that these associations do not imply causation, as individuals with high ultra-processed food intake often exhibit other unhealthy behaviors like smoking and sedentary lifestyles.
Reference: Zhe Fang, Sinara Laurini Rossato, Dong Hang, Neha Khandpur, Kai Wang, Chun-Han Lo, Walter C Willett, Edward L Giovannucci, Mingyang Song, Association of ultra-processed food consumption with all cause and cause specific mortality: population based cohort study, BMJ, doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-078476
Speakers
Roshni Dhar, a Mass com graduate with a soft corner for health happenings, joined Medical Dialogues as a news anchor in 2021. Inspired by her mother who is a gynaecologist, she likes to keep herself and the world updated on the occurring in the medical field. She covers various aspects of health news for MDTV at Medical Dialogues. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751
