A recent study has found that thousands of deaths each year in the United Kingdom may be linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods, raising new concerns about the long-term health impact of modern diets.
Researchers behind the study believe there is a strong association between high intake of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of premature death. This category of food includes products like ice cream, processed meats, and sugary soft drinks—items that have previously been associated with obesity, heart disease, cancer, and early mortality.
Ultra-processed foods are often high in saturated fats, salt, sugar, and artificial additives. According to experts, these ingredients not only pose direct health risks but also tend to displace more nutritious, whole foods in people’s diets.
The study analysed data from eight countries and found that ultra-processed foods account for approximately 53% of total energy intake in the UK—second only to the United States, where the figure reaches 55%.
