Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Higher Risk of Chronic Illness and Death, Study Finds

New study reveals ultraprocessed foods increase risk of chronic illness, cancer, and death. Experts urge healthier diets.

Editorial Desk

September 24, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — City, Country — A new study has found that consuming a high volume of ultraprocessed foods significantly increases the likelihood of developing serious health conditions and even death.

The research, which analyzed over 50 studies involving nearly 9 million adults, highlights how frequent consumption of items like cookies, chips, cakes, and processed meats can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity by up to 25 percent.

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Additionally, the study found that for every 100 grams of these foods consumed daily, the risk of cancer increased by 4 percent and the risk of death from any cause rose by 3 percent. Dr. Xiao Liu, lead author of the study, emphasized the need for dietary changes to improve public health.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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