In the UK and US, more than half the average diet now consists of UPFs such as breakfast cereals, ready meals, protein bars, fizzy drinks and fast food Thousands of deaths from heart disease could be prevented by cutting back on ultra-processed foods, according to a new study that adds to growing concern over modern diets. Researchers estimate that heavily processed products may be contributing to up to a third of heart disease cases in high-income countries, prompting renewed calls for tougher public health action. Junk Food Under Fresh Scrutiny The modelling study suggests between 23% and 37% of heart disease cases, and between 23% and 38% of related deaths, could be linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The findings, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and presented at the International Congress on Obesity in Mexico, focused on Canada. Researchers said the overall trend is likely to apply across other wealthy nations where UPFs dominate supermarket shelves. Modern Diets Driving Rising Risks Ultra-processed foods include products such as ready meals, breakfast cereals, protein bars, fizzy drinks and fast food. In the UK and the US, they now make up more than half of the average diet, while some younger people and those living in disadvantaged communities consume diets made up of as much as 80% UPFs. The researchers described excessive consumption as a widespread problem driven by the modern food environment rather than individual choice alone. They argued that reducing intake could become a key part of preventing cardiovascular disease. Pressure Builds for Tougher Action The study's authors said education campaigns alone would not be enough to reverse current trends. Instead, they called for broader measures including food taxes, clearer front-of-pack labelling, tighter restrictions on marketing and targets to improve the nutritional quality of processed products. They argued that structural reforms are needed to make healthier choices easier and reduce dependence on heavily processed foods. Experts Urge Caution Over Findings Despite the headline figures, independent experts warned the study has important limitations. Professor Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, said the modelling was an interesting exercise but cautioned against placing too much confidence in its precise estimates. While previous research has linked ultra-processed foods to a range of health problems, scientists say further studies are needed to establish exactly how much they contribute to heart disease and premature death. Reducing ultra-processed foods could prevent thousands of heart disease deaths, study suggests | Ultra-processed foods | The Guardian
