Excessive Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Poor Health Outcomes, Experts Urge Dietary Shifts

The American Heart Association has issued a Science Advisory warning about the health risks associated with excessive consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs). These foods, often high in saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium, contribute to adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes, including heart disease, stroke, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes. The advisory, published in the journal Circulation, emphasizes the need for more research to understand the specific impacts of UPFs on health and advocates for dietary shifts towards healthier options.

Observational studies cited in the advisory show a dose-response relationship between UPF consumption and increased risks of cardiovascular events and mortality. The advisory also notes that certain additives and industrial processing techniques may have negative health effects, though not all UPFs are unhealthy. Some, like commercial whole grains and low-fat dairy, can be part of a healthy diet.

The rapid rise in UPF consumption since the 1990s has disrupted traditional dietary patterns, with UPFs now accounting for a significant portion of calories consumed in the U.S. The advisory calls for multilevel strategies to reduce UPF intake, including refining dietary guidance, enhancing food additive science, and implementing evidence-based policies to regulate food additives. It also highlights the importance of making healthier food options more accessible and affordable, especially for under-resourced communities.

For more information on the health impacts of UPFs and the American Heart Association's dietary guidelines, visit heart.org.