A large analysis found that eating an additional 100 grams of ultra-processed food daily was associated with higher risks of cardiovascular events, cancer, metabolic disease and death. The findings matter because ultra-processed foods are common, convenient products that may displace healthier, minimally processed foods, although the study does not prove they directly cause these outcomes.

The research covered nearly 8.8 million adults across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania, with follow-up lasting between two and 32 years. Each extra 100 grams a day was linked to a 14% higher risk of cardiovascular events, a 4% higher cancer risk, a 3% higher risk of death and a 2% higher risk of metabolic syndrome or diabetes; researchers also found associations with digestive disease, anxiety or depression and obesity. Experts advised adding protein- and fibre-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains, while noting that the analysis relied partly on self-reported diets and could not account for all lifestyle factors.