Ultra-processed foods linked to higher risk of heart disease and early death

"UPFs, made from industrial ingredients and additives, have largely replaced traditional diets. Research suggests these foods are linked to several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, and to the risk of developing and dying from heart disease. However, this evidence has not yet made its way into the advice we give to patients on healthy eating."

"We hope that this consensus statement from the European Society of Cardiology will help doctors recognize UPFs as a potential risk factor and provide clear guidance to their patients on limiting UPFs to prevent cardiovascular risk factors, disease and death."

"Researchers say growing evidence links high consumption of UPFs to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and death related to cardiovascular conditions."

"The authors are urging doctors to discuss UPF intake with patients and offer practical advice on reducing consumption as part of routine healthcare."

Large amounts of ultra-processed foods are associated with higher risk of heart disease and death. Evidence links high ultra-processed food consumption to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular-related mortality. A consensus statement urges clinicians to raise ultra-processed food intake during patient discussions and to provide practical guidance for reducing consumption as part of routine healthcare. The statement aims to help doctors recognize ultra-processed foods as a potential cardiovascular risk factor and to offer clear advice on limiting them to prevent cardiovascular risk factors, disease, and death. Ultra-processed foods are described as industrially made products using ingredients and additives that have replaced traditional diets.

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