A portion about the size of a small bag of chips—just 3.5 ounces—of ultra‑processed food (UPF) a day was linked to higher risks of chronic disease in a large analysis, according to Fox News Digital’s report on the study.
What the review found
The study, published Sept. 22 in the journal Family Medicine and Community Health, examined nearly 8.8 million adults across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, with follow‑up periods ranging from two to 32 years, Fox News Digital reported.
For every additional 100 grams of UPFs consumed daily, researchers found an association with a 14% higher risk of cardiovascular events, a 4% higher risk of cancer, a 3% higher risk of death from any cause, and a 2% higher risk of metabolic syndrome or diabetes, according to a news release cited by Fox News Digital.
People with the highest intake of UPFs also had higher risks of digestive diseases, depression or anxiety, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular events than those with the lowest intake, per the report.
What counts as ultra‑processed food
UPFs are typically packaged and convenient, made through extensive industrial processing and often packed with additives, according to the analysis summarized by Fox News Digital. Examples include sugary drinks, processed meats, packaged snacks, and candy.
One hundred grams—about 3.5 ounces—is roughly the size of a small bag of corn chips, a small box of candy, or a single‑serve cup of mini cookies, the outlet noted.
Researchers’ note and expert caution
“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,” wrote the researchers led by Xiao Liu, a cardiologist at Sun Yat‑sen Memorial Hospital in China and a research fellow at Duke‑NUS Medical School in Singapore, according to Fox News Digital.
Registered dietitian Kelly Springer, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital the study was observational and cannot prove UPFs directly caused the outcomes. She also noted it relied on self‑reported diets and may not fully account for other lifestyle factors.
“It’s not that you can never eat them again,” Springer said. “It’s the fact that we are not getting real foods — real foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains.” She added, “A diet built around whole, minimally processed foods is one of the best investments we can make in our long‑term health.”
How UPFs add up—and simple swaps
Researchers said UPFs can accumulate throughout the day via snacks, sugary drinks, and convenience foods, according to Fox News Digital. Springer recommended adding protein and fiber to meals and snacks rather than focusing on restriction—suggesting options such as an apple with peanut butter, nuts with cucumbers, or meals built around beans, chicken, or tuna alongside fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
