Thousands of UK Deaths May Be Linked to Ultra-Processed Foods, Study Suggests

LONDON, April 30: A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may be contributing to premature deaths in the UK, potentially in ways not yet fully understood.

Analyzing dietary data from eight countries, researchers found that UPFs account for 53% of the UK population’s energy intake—second only to the US at 55%. Using a statistical model, they estimated that around 17,781 premature deaths in the UK in 2018–2019 could be linked to UPF consumption.

The impact varied by country: UPFs were associated with just 4% of premature deaths in lower-consumption nations like Colombia, compared to 14% in the UK and US.

The study’s authors urged governments to develop dietary guidelines that reduce reliance on UPFs.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care told Metro: “The government is committed to addressing poor diets and the obesity crisis. We’ve taken steps to restrict junk food advertising to children and empowered local authorities to block new fast food outlets near schools. We are also funding research to better understand the health impacts of ultra-processed foods. Through our Plan for Change, we aim to shift focus from treatment to prevention, easing the pressure on the NHS.”

Public concern over UPFs has grown in recent years, with online communities and food brands like M&S and Crosta Mollica promoting products free from artificial additives and emulsifiers. Interest surged following the popularity of Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken, who controversially argued that many UPFs should not be considered food at all.