Key Facts

• Ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of dying early.
• Foods like crisps, hot dogs, fizzy drinks, and ice cream are examples of ultra-processed foods.
• These foods usually have more than five ingredients, including things not normally used in cooking at home, like sweeteners and chemical additives.
• The study looked at data from eight countries including the UK and the US.
• In the UK and the US, where over half of the calories people eat come from ultra-processed foods, the study thinks 14% of early deaths could be caused by these foods.
• In countries like Colombia and Brazil, where less than 20% of calories come from these foods, the study thinks about 4% of early deaths could be caused by them.
• Despite these findings, it's not clear if it's the food processing or the high levels of fat, salt, and sugar that could be causing health problems.
• The study cannot prove that eating ultra-processed foods definitely causes early death, as it also depends on other things like people's overall diet, exercise habits, and lifestyle.