British Medical Journal (The BMJ)Ultra-processed Food Exposure and Adverse Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review of Epidemiological Meta-analyses

Direct Links Identified Between Ultra-Processed Foods and Various Health Risks

This study systematically reviews meta-analyses to assess the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and various health outcomes. By employing the Nova food classification system, this umbrella review synthesizes existing research to provide a clearer understanding of how such dietary habits might contribute to adverse health effects.

Study Design:

• Utilized data from MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, plus manual searches from 2009 to June 2023.
• Included systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort, case-control, and/or cross-sectional studies.
• Analyzed 45 unique pooled analyses involving 9,888,373 participants, covering 13 dose-response and 32 non-dose-response associations with various health outcomes.

Key Findings:

• Direct associations found between ultra-processed food consumption and 32 (71%) health parameters, including mortality, cancer, and a range of health conditions.
• Convincing evidence (class I) links higher ultra-processed food intake with increased risks of cardiovascular disease mortality, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, and common mental disorders.
• Highly suggestive evidence (class II) associates ultra-processed food consumption with elevated risks of all-cause mortality, heart disease mortality, type 2 diabetes, depression, adverse sleep outcomes, wheezing, and obesity.
• The majority of analyzed studies were of low or very low quality according to the GRADE framework.

HCN Medical Memo
The study concludes that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to increased risks of cardiometabolic diseases, mental health issues, and higher mortality rates, emphasizing the need for public health interventions and further research to mitigate these risks and enhance overall health.

More on Health Outcomes