Ultra-processed food consumption associated with chronic diseases and early death — Evidence Review

A new systematic review published in The Lancet links ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption to harm in every major human organ system and a higher risk of chronic diseases. Related research broadly supports these findings, consistently associating UPF intake with increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality; more research is still needed to clarify mechanisms and causality, as noted by the authors at the University of North Carolina and University of São Paulo.

• The new review’s conclusions are corroborated by multiple large-scale observational studies and meta-analyses, which have found positive associations between UPF consumption and a range of adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, metabolic disorders, and mortality 1 2 3 4 5.

• Several related studies specifically report that increased UPF intake is tied to higher risks of overall and site-specific cancers, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and poor cardiometabolic profiles, even after adjusting for traditional dietary risk factors 1 2 3 4 5.

• While the body of evidence is robust and consistent in demonstrating associations, most studies are observational in nature, and thus, causality has not yet been firmly established; ongoing debate concerns the mechanisms and the role of food processing versus nutrient content 2 4 5.

Study Overview and Key Findings

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a dominant component of diets in many countries, particularly among younger and disadvantaged populations. The timely review published in The Lancet synthesizes evidence from 104 long-term studies and highlights the global displacement of fresh foods by UPFs, fueled by aggressive food industry marketing and lobbying efforts. The study’s scope is notable for examining not only health outcomes but also the political and economic drivers of dietary shifts, recommending policy interventions beyond standard nutritional guidelines.

PropertyValueOrganizationUniversity of São Paulo, University of North CarolinaJournal NameThe LancetAuthorsProf Carlos Monteiro, Prof Barry PopkinPopulationGeneral population consuming ultra-processed foodsSample Size104 long-term studiesMethodsSystematic ReviewOutcomeHealth risks associated with ultra-processed food consumptionResults92 of 104 studies linked UPF to chronic diseases and early death

Literature Review: Related Studies

To assess the broader research landscape on ultra-processed foods and health, we searched the Consensus paper database, which aggregates over 200 million scientific papers. The following queries were used to identify relevant literature:

1. ultra-processed food health risks

2. chronic diseases ultra-processed food

3. UPF organ damage long-term effects

TopicKey FindingsWhat health conditions are associated with high UPF consumption?- High UPF intake is consistently linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, various cancers (notably breast cancer), depression, and higher all-cause mortality 1 2 3 4 5.

• No study has found beneficial health associations with UPF consumption; adverse outcomes are reported across diverse populations 3 4 5.Does UPF consumption impact diet quality and nutrient intake?- Increased UPF consumption is associated with higher intake of sugars, saturated fats, sodium and lower intake of protein, fiber, and potassium 6.
• These nutritional imbalances align with poor cardiometabolic health outcomes and may mediate the observed disease associations 6 3 4.What are the proposed mechanisms linking UPFs to health risks?- Potential mechanisms include poor nutritional profiles, exposure to additives, food contact materials, and neoformed contaminants during processing 1 2 3 4.
• The precise biological pathways remain under investigation, with evolving evidence supporting both nutrient-based and processing-related effects 1 2 4 5.How strong is the evidence—are associations causal, and what are limitations?- Most evidence is observational; causality cannot be definitively established, and confounding cannot be entirely excluded 2 4 5.
• Despite limitations, the strength, consistency, and dose-response trends across populations bolster confidence in the observed associations, prompting calls for precautionary public health action 3 4 5.

What health conditions are associated with high UPF consumption?

A substantial body of research links high UPF consumption to a wide variety of adverse health outcomes, mirroring the findings of the new Lancet review. These conditions include cardiovascular diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, depression, and increased overall mortality. No studies to date have identified health benefits associated with UPF intake.

• Related studies have identified a dose-dependent increase in overall cancer and breast cancer risk with higher UPF consumption, even after adjusting for other dietary risk factors 1.

• Prospective cohort studies show increased risks of cardiovascular, coronary heart, and cerebrovascular diseases with greater UPF intake 2.

• Meta-analyses and systematic reviews consistently report higher risks of all-cause mortality, depression, and cardiometabolic disorders among populations with the highest UPF consumption 3 4 5.

• Observational research has found these associations in both adults and children, with adverse outcomes spanning physical and mental health domains 3 4 5.

Does UPF consumption impact diet quality and nutrient intake?

The reviewed literature shows that UPF-rich diets are characterized by excess intake of sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, alongside lower levels of protein, fiber, and key micronutrients. These nutritional patterns are strongly associated with the development of non-communicable diseases.

• In the UK, more than half of dietary energy comes from UPFs, with higher UPF intake correlating with increased free sugars and sodium—nutrients linked to chronic disease risk 6.

• Diets high in UPFs are typically lower in protein, fiber, and potassium, which are protective against cardiometabolic and other chronic diseases 6 3.

• Studies confirm that as UPF intake rises, the dietary quality declines, increasing the likelihood of exceeding recommended limits for free sugars and sodium 6.

• Poor nutrient profiles of UPF-rich diets may explain, in part, the observed associations with chronic disease outcomes 3 4 6.

What are the proposed mechanisms linking UPFs to health risks?

While the precise biological mechanisms remain under active investigation, several pathways are proposed by the literature. These include the direct effects of poor nutrient composition, as well as exposures unique to ultra-processed foods—such as additives, packaging-derived chemicals, and contaminants formed during processing.

• Studies suggest that the negative health impacts of UPFs may go beyond macronutrient composition, implicating additives and processing-related chemicals in disease risk 1 2 4.

• Food additives, emulsifiers, artificial colors, and flavors are commonly found in UPFs and may disrupt gut health or metabolic processes 1 4.

• Chemicals from food packaging and by-products of industrial processing (neoformed contaminants) are also under investigation as potential contributors 1 2 3.

• Although mechanisms are not fully elucidated, the multi-faceted nature of UPF composition and processing is a focus of ongoing research 4 5.

How strong is the evidence—are associations causal, and what are limitations?

The majority of evidence linking UPFs to adverse health outcomes comes from observational studies, which cannot definitively establish causality. However, the consistency, strength, and dose-response relationships observed across diverse populations provide a compelling case for concern.

• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses highlight the robustness of associations but note the limitations inherent to non-randomized, observational research designs 2 3 4 5.

• Confounding factors, including socioeconomic status and lifestyle, may partially account for observed associations, but statistical adjustments and sensitivity analyses have not eliminated the links 2 4 5.

• No studies have reported beneficial health effects of UPFs, and the adverse associations persist after accounting for overall diet quality 3 4.

• The accumulating evidence has led several research groups and public health bodies to recommend caution and policy action while mechanistic and intervention studies continue 3 4 5.

Future Research Questions

Despite the growing body of evidence associating ultra-processed food consumption with adverse health outcomes, uncertainties remain regarding causality, mechanisms, and effective interventions. Future research is needed to address these gaps, clarify biological pathways, and inform targeted policy measures.

Research QuestionRelevanceWhat are the causal mechanisms linking ultra-processed food consumption to chronic disease?Understanding specific biological pathways is critical to designing targeted interventions and confirming whether processing, additives, or nutrient profiles drive observed associations 1 2 4.Do reductions in ultra-processed food intake reverse or reduce risk of chronic disease?Longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to determine if reducing UPF intake leads to measurable improvements in health outcomes and risk profiles 2 3 4.Which components of ultra-processed foods are most harmful to health?Disentangling the effects of specific additives, contaminants, or processing methods would inform both regulatory and consumer guidance 1 2 4 5.How do socioeconomic and demographic factors modify the health impacts of UPF?Targeted policies may be needed if certain populations, such as youth or low-income groups, are more vulnerable to UPF-related risks 2 3 6.What policy interventions effectively reduce UPF consumption and improve dietary quality?Evaluating the impact of labeling, marketing restrictions, and institutional food policies will help guide effective public health strategies 3 4 6.