Meta-analysis highlights link between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased risk of 32 adverse health effects.
- Researchers screened 45 meta-analyses pooled from 14 review articles linking ultra-processed foods to adverse health outcomes.
- This data, drawn from nearly 10 million participants, linked ultra-processed foods to 32 health complications.
- Scientists believe that measures should be taken to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed products.
Ultra-processed products account for up to 58% of total daily calorie consumption in some high-income countries. They are also increasingly present in the diets of many low- and middle-income nations. This observation is all the more worrying as a study has just shown that these industrial foods rich in colorings, emulsifiers and other additives are linked to an increased risk of 32 harmful health consequences. The pathologies favored by this type of diet are detailed in an article published in the journal The BMJ.
Sodas, ready meals, cakes: these industrial products impact health
For this study, researchers examined 45 meta-analyses grouped from 14 review articles associating ultra-processed foods with harmful health outcomes. These texts, all published over the last three years, involved nearly 10 million participants.
Overall, the results show that higher exposure to ultra-processed foods was consistently associated with an increased risk of 32 adverse events and diseases. Eating or drinking a lot of soda, processed snacks and convenience foods was associated with an approximately 50% increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. They also calculated a 48% to 53% higher risk of anxiety and common mental disorders, and a 12% higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
The data analysis also highlighted “very suggestive evidence” that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a 21% increased risk of death. This unbalanced diet is also linked to a 40 to 66% increase in the risk of death linked to heart disease, obesity or even sleep problems. A 22% increase in the risk of depression has also been highlighted.
On the other hand, “Evidence remains for associations of exposure to ultra-processed foods with asthma, gastrointestinal health, certain cancers, and cardiometabolic risk factors, such as high blood sugar and low levels of “good” cholesterol. limited”note the authors.
Ultra-processed foods: measures to reduce their consumption
At the end of their work, the researchers concluded: “These findings support the need for urgent research into mechanisms and public health actions that would target and minimize the consumption of ultra-processed foods to improve population health.”
For them, United Nations agencies should develop and implement a framework convention on ultra-processed foods similar to the framework on tobacco. Member states could, among other things, agree on the deployment of “good practices” such as specific labeling, restriction of advertising and a ban on sales in or near schools and hospitals. Special taxation on these very fatty and very sugary products would be another solution to encourage people to consume less of them.
