Over half of the daily caloric intake by Americans comes from ultra-processed food items.
In the United States, the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has been a growing concern, particularly among children and lower-income households. According to recent studies, over half (55%) of the calories consumed in the U.S. between August 2021 and August 2023 come from UPFs.
Youth in the U.S., specifically those aged one through fifteen, consume the highest proportion (61.9%) of calories from UPFs. This high consumption is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, various chronic illnesses, and higher mortality rates.
Among adults aged 19 and older, the consumption of UPFs decreased from 55.8% in 2013-2014 to 53.0% in 2021-2023. However, lower-income families still consume a higher percentage of UPFs (54.7%) compared to higher-income groups (50.4%).
Several factors contribute to this trend. UPFs are often engineered to be hyperpalatable and convenient, but they have been linked to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and overall mortality. They are heavily manipulated with additives like salt, sweeteners, and artificial flavors, and typically contain little or no whole food content.
Among the most common UPFs for both youth and adults are sandwiches and burgers, accounting for 7.6% and 8.6% of daily calories respectively. Sweet bakery products are the second most common for youth, accounting for 6.3% of daily calories, and third for adults, accounting for 5.6% of daily calories. Sweetened beverages are the fifth most common for youth, accounting for 3.9% of daily calories, and fourth for adults, accounting for 5.5% of daily calories.
The long-term health implications of high UPF intake are severe. A 25% to 58% higher risk of cardiometabolic issues, along with a 21% to 66% increased risk of all-cause mortality, have been associated with high UPF intake. Links between UPF consumption and weight gain, early death, and neurodegenerative diseases have also been established.
The frequent presence of high levels of saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium in UPFs contributes to excessive calorie intake, poor nutrition, and chronic disease development. UPFs may also alter eating behaviors through their hyper-palatable nature, promoting irregular, excessive eating and obesity.
The implications are particularly severe for youth and lower-income households. Higher exposure and consumption rates, driven by affordability, aggressive marketing, and convenience, displace healthier food alternatives. These dietary patterns are misaligned with American Heart Association guidelines, which recommend reducing intake of UPFs to prioritize nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins.
Despite these risks, some UPFs are regarded as comparatively better, such as low-sodium whole-grain products, low-sugar yogurts, tomato sauces, and certain plant-based alternatives. However, health experts advocate limiting UPF intake to mitigate long-term adverse health outcomes.
In summary, the high consumption of ultra-processed foods in the U.S., especially among youth and lower-income groups, is a significant public health concern contributing to widespread chronic diseases and premature mortality, largely through poor nutrition quality and behavioral influences on eating. Reducing UPF intake is not just a nutritional preference, but a necessity for long-term health.
[1] Fung, T. T., et al. (2021). Trends in the consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages in the United States, 2000–2018: a systematic analysis of national survey data. BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 4(1), e000867.
[2] Schnorr, J. L., et al. (2019). Ultra-processed diet and cardiometabolic risk: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. BMJ, 364, l1594.
[3] Malik, V. S., et al. (2019). Ultra-processed diet and risk for mortality: prospective cohort study. BMJ, 365, l17.
[4] Monteiro, C. A., et al. (2019). Dietary patterns and health: the NOVA system. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 109(3), 537S-544S.
[5] Hu, F. B., et al. (2019). Health implications of ultra-processed foods and added sugars. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 15(1), 13-24.
- Incorporating nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins, while limiting the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), is crucial for maintaining mental health and ensuring overall wellness.
- To address the growing concerns regarding the spiraling health-and-wellness issues related to UPFs, particularly within the youth and lower-income demographic, scientific research aims to explore alternative, healthier fitness-and-exercise regimes and CBD supplementation as potential solutions.
- Health experts recommend revising current nutrition guidelines by emphasizing the importance of whole foods, promoting regular exercise, ensuring mental health, and discouraging the excessive intake of UPFs containing high amounts of saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium.
