NEW DELHI– Even moderate, regular consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a significantly increased risk of chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and certain cancers, according to new research.
The study, led by researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, reveals that even low habitual intake of processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and trans fatty acids (TFAs) can have measurable negative health impacts.
Published in the journal Nature Medicine, the study is among the most comprehensive analyses to date examining dose-response relationships between ultra-processed food consumption and health outcomes.
Key findings include:
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Processed meat consumption ranging from just 0.6 grams to 57 grams per day increased the risk of Type 2 diabetes by at least 11% compared to no intake.
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For colorectal cancer, consumption between 0.78 grams and 55 grams per day was associated with a 7% higher risk.
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A daily intake of 50 grams of processed meat was linked to a 15% increased risk of ischemic heart disease.
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Sugar-sweetened beverages consumed in amounts between 1.5 grams and 390 grams daily raised the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 8% and IHD by 2%.
“The new analysis reinforces dietary guidelines that urge reduced consumption of processed meats, sugary drinks, and trans fats,” the researchers wrote. “It also highlights the urgent need for a robust public health framework to evaluate the long-term impact of ultra-processed foods.”
The study showed that the risks increase continuously with consumption, with the steepest relative risk seen even at lower levels of intake—roughly one serving or less per day.
Ultra-processed foods, especially those preserved through smoking, curing, or chemical additives, often contain harmful compounds such as N-nitroso agents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heterocyclic amines—all linked to tumor development.
Previous studies have also linked these foods to a range of chronic conditions, but this research provides clearer evidence on how even small amounts contribute to disease burden.
Global estimates suggest that diets high in processed meat contributed to nearly 300,000 deaths in 2021, while sugar-sweetened beverages and trans fats were responsible for millions of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost worldwide. (Source: IANS)
