Ultra-processed food is linked to over 30 harmful health outcomes

A 2024 umbrella review published in the BMJ synthesised 45 meta-analyses covering over 9 million people and found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a 50% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, a 48–53% higher risk of anxiety and depression, and elevated risks of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. Ultra-processed foods — defined by the NOVA classification system as those with industrial ingredients rarely found in home kitchens — now account for over 50% of calories in the average UK and US diet.

Source: Lane et al., BMJ (2024)