A modeling study suggests that reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) could prevent thousands of cardiovascular deaths each year.
The research indicates that junk food may drive between 23% and 37% of heart disease cases. It also accounts for 23% to 38% of related deaths.
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UPFs include ready meals, breakfast cereals, protein bars, fizzy drinks, and fast food. These products increasingly dominate modern diets.
In the US and UK, more than half of the average diet consists of UPFs. For some younger or disadvantaged individuals, intake reaches up to 80%.
Study Details and Findings
The study was led by Virginie Hamel and Jean-Claude Moubarac from the Center for Public Health Research at Montreal University.
It focused on Canadian dietary data.
While the analysis specifically examined Canadian populations, researchers stated that similar outcomes could be expected in other high-income countries.
The researchers noted that UPFs represent a substantial and potentially preventable contributor to cardiovascular illnesses.
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They said the findings reinforce the need for clinical and public health interventions aimed at reducing UPF intake.
The study authors argued that individual education and counseling are insufficient without structural changes.
They recommended policy measures such as food taxes, front-of-package labeling, marketing restrictions, and product reformulation targets.
The findings were published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. They were also presented at the World Obesity Federation's annual International Congress on Obesity in Mexico.
However, some independent experts pointed out limitations.
Kevin McConway, an emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, cautioned about the precision of the projections.
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He said the modeling is interesting but he would not put much trust in the detailed estimates.
