The American Heart Association advisory warns that ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are linked to serious health issues, including heart attack and stroke, and calls for policy changes and more research
A new science advisory from the American Heart Association (AHA) highlights the growing health concerns linked to ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), with experts calling for more research and policy changes. The advisory, published today in the journal Circulation, reviews existing evidence and reveals a complex relationship between UPFs and adverse health outcomes, including heart attack, stroke, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes.
While some UPFs—like certain commercial whole-grain breads or low-fat dairy products—can be part of a healthy diet, the vast majority are high in saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium, often abbreviated as HFSS. These foods, which include popular items like sugary drinks, processed meats, and many baked goods, are a significant source of excess calories and poor nutrition. The advisory states that a limited number of UPFs with better nutritional value can still be part of a healthy diet, but the overlap is confusing for consumers and healthcare professionals alike.
The rise of ultraprocessed foods
According to the AHA, the rapid increase in UPF consumption since the 1990s has significantly changed traditional dietary patterns. In the United States, an estimated 70% of grocery store products contain at least one ultraprocessed ingredient. A recent CDC report shows that UPFs account for more than half of the calories consumed by Americans over the age of one. This number is even higher among youth, with nearly 62% of their calories coming from UPFs.
Experts point out that these foods are often inexpensive and aggressively marketed, especially to youth and lower-income communities, which contributes to displacing healthier alternatives. The result is a misalignment with the AHA’s dietary guidance, which recommends a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. The advisory reinforces this guidance, urging people to cut back on UPFs that are high in HFSS and replace them with healthier options.
A complex link to poor health
The science advisory cites a meta-analysis of studies that found a strong correlation between high Ultraprocessed Food consumption and an increased risk of chronic illnesses and mortality. The analysis indicates that a high intake of UPFs is linked to a 25-58% higher risk of cardiometabolic issues and a 21-66% higher risk of all-cause mortality.
The advisory’s authors emphasize that more research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms behind this link. As Maya K. Vadiveloo, Ph.D., R.D., volunteer chair of the writing group, explained, “What we don’t know is if certain ingredients or processing techniques make a food unhealthy above and beyond their poor nutritional composition.”
One potential explanation is that UPFs may influence eating behaviors and contribute to obesity. These foods often contain a combination of ingredients and additives that enhance their palatability, which could impact reward-related brain activity and lead to irregular eating habits.
Opportunities for action on UPFs
The advisory outlines several recommendations to improve public health and address the risks associated with UPFs. These include:
- Policy and Regulation:
- Implementing policies like front-of-package labels to help consumers identify and reduce their intake of HFSS products.
- Targeted Strategies:
- Introducing strategies for individuals and the food industry to encourage a shift away from high-HFSS UPFs toward healthier eating patterns.
- Research Funding:
- Increasing funding to explore the specific ways UPFs impact health, beyond their poor nutritional content.
- Food Additive Science:
- Enhancing efforts to better understand and regulate food additives.
In the meantime, the AHA urges the public to prioritize a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins. This approach, they say, is the best way to improve both short-term and long-term health.
