Ultra-processed foods causing a 'tidal wave of harm', say experts

New research revealing health risks described as a global ‘wake-up call’

- Andrew Gregory

Ultra-processed food significantly raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes, according to two major studies that experts say should serve as a "wake-up call" for governments worldwide.

Global consumption of heavily processed items such as cereals, protein bars, fizzy drinks, ready meals and fast food has soared in recent years. In the UK and US, well over half the average diet now consists of ultra-processed food (UPF). For some, especially people who are younger, poorer or from disadvantaged areas, a diet comprising as much as 80% UPF is typical.

Stark new research adds weight to a growing body of evidence that experts say exposes a "tidal wave of harm" being caused directly by UPF. Two large studies presented at the world's largest heart conference showed the devastating impact UPF is having on cardiovascular health.

The first study, which tracked 10,000 women for 15 years, found those with the highest proportion of UPF in their diet were 39% more likely to develop high blood pressure than those with the lowest. This was the case even after academics adjusted for the impact of salt, sugar and fat.

High blood pressure increases the risk of conditions including heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, aortic aneurysms, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

The second study, a gold standard meta-analysis of more than 325,000 men and women, showed those who ate the most UPF were 24% more likely to experience cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes and angina.