If you’re eating like most Americans, you are already closer to death, CDC warns

Americans are increasingly relying on ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) for their daily meals, now tied to alarming health risks, according to new federal data and expert advisories. Ultraprocessed foods now account for more than half of the calories consumed in the United States, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The report based on dietary data from August 2021 to August 2023, reveals that over 55 percent of the average American’s daily calories come from UPFs, which nearly 62 percent among children and teens. This marks a small but notable decline from previous years, with intake decreasing by about 3 percent among adults and 3.7 percent among youth compared to 2017–2018

What are UPFs?

Ultraprocessed foods are industrially manufactured items that include additives, like emulsifiers, artificial dyes, and flavorings, and multiple ingredients seldom found in a home kitchen. They often deliver a potent mix of high sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats (HFSS), while stripping away natural fiber and nutrients. While some UPFs, like certain whole-grain breads or low-sugar yogurts, may offer modest nutritional value, most contribute little more than empty calories.

Health risks

Studies consistently show a dose-response relationship between UPF consumption and worsening health. High intake correlates with elevated risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, various cancers, and even early death. For every 10 percent increase in UPF calories, the risk of early mortality jumps nearly 3 percent, with researchers estimating 124,000 premature deaths in the US in 2018 alone were tied to UPF consumption, surpassing fatalities from fentanyl overdoses.

Further reinforcing these findings, a recent clinical trial showed that participants who switched from UPFs to minimally processed meals lost twice as much weight, even when the calorie and nutrient content remained equal.

How to stay safe?

Public health officials are calling for bold action like clearer labeling, limits on marketing to children, and stronger regulation of food additives. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has elevated UPFs as a national health priority, urging reform of the food environment.