Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Linked to Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes and Death

Researchers identified several potential explanations for health risks linked to ultra-processed foods, including lower nutritional value, high energy density, increased food consumption and weight gain.

An analysis involving nearly 9 million adults found that the risks of a wide range of serious health problems rose as individuals consumed greater amounts of ultra-processed foods.

The findings were published in The BMJ on September 22, adding to growing concerns about the long-term health effects of heavily processed diets.

Researchers found that adults who consumed the most ultra-processed foods faced elevated risks across every major health outcome examined, with particularly strong associations involving digestive diseases, mental health conditions, cardiovascular problems and metabolic disorders.

Ultra-Processed Foods Health Concerns

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially manufactured products made primarily with refined ingredients, additives and other substances rather than whole foods. Designed for convenience, flavor and longer shelf life, they include soft drinks, frozen meals, sweetened cereals and packaged snacks. Many contain high levels of added sugar, saturated fat, sodium and preservatives while offering relatively little nutritional value.

Concerns about the health effects of ultra-processed foods have increased as these products have become a major part of the American diet, particularly among children. Research has linked diets high in UPFs to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic metabolic conditions.

As more studies identify potential health risks, major food manufacturers are facing a number of ultra-processed food lawsuits. The complaints allege that companies knew or should have known about the dangers associated with their products but continued to aggressively market them, particularly to children, without adequately warning consumers.

Ultra-Processed Foods Risks Study

For the new study, researchers reviewed prospective cohort studies published through April 28, 2026, using PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library to identify research examining ultra-processed food consumption among adults. The analysis included 51 studies conducted across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania, with participants followed for periods ranging from two to 32 years. Researchers assessed UPF intake using dietary questionnaires, food consumption records and the NOVA food classification system.

Led by Xiao Liu, the research team found that adults who consumed the most ultra-processed foods faced significantly higher risks of several chronic health conditions compared to those who consumed the least. The findings included:

• 31% increased risk of digestive diseases
• 27% increased risk of depression or anxiety
• 24% increased risk of cardiovascular events
• 24% increased risk of metabolic syndrome or diabetes
• 23% increased risk of obesity or being overweight
• 18% increased risk of death from any cause
• 12% increased risk of cancer

Researchers also identified a dose-response relationship, with risks generally increasing alongside UPF consumption. For every additional 100 grams consumed per day, the risk of cardiovascular events increased 14%, hypertension increased 11%, cancer increased 4% and death from any cause increased 3%.

Each additional 100 grams per day was also associated with a 2% increased risk of metabolic syndrome or diabetes. However, the risk increased 16% for every 10% increase in the proportion of a person’s daily food weight or energy intake that came from UPFs.

“Given that UPF related chronic diseases often cluster as multimorbidity, reducing consumption of UPFs and replacing them with minimally processed alternatives may be relevant for chronic disease prevention and primary care management.”

— Xiao Liu, Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of multiple chronic diseases among 8,819,894 adults from 51 prospective cohorts: a dose-response meta-analysis

The researchers identified several possible explanations for the findings but cautioned that the associations do not establish causation. They noted that UPFs generally have lower nutritional value and higher energy density, potentially encouraging faster eating, delayed feelings of fullness, greater food consumption and weight gain.

The study also points to potential effects on gut bacteria, inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance, as well as exposure to combinations of food additives and compounds formed during industrial processing, including acrylamide and acrolein. Researchers also noted that food packaging may expose consumers to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuits

Ultra-processed food lawsuits are being pursued by young adults and families of children who developed metabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, after allegedly consuming large amounts of UPFs during childhood.

The lawsuits allege food manufacturers deliberately formulated and marketed ultra-processed products to promote compulsive eating and excessive consumption. Plaintiffs claim the companies aggressively targeted children and other vulnerable consumers to establish long-term purchasing habits despite knowing about potential health risks.

Ultra-processed food attorneys are continuing to investigate potential claims nationwide involving individuals who regularly consumed UPFs as children and were later diagnosed with metabolic diseases.

Sign up for more legal news that could affect you or your family.