A modelling study presented at the International Congress on Obesity suggests that reducing ultra-processed foods (UPFs) could prevent thousands of heart disease deaths. Researchers from the Center for Public Health Research at Montreal University found that between 23% and 38% of heart disease deaths in Canada may be attributable to UPF consumption.
UPF Consumption and Heart Disease Burden
The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, estimated that 23% to 37% of heart disease cases in Canada could be linked to UPFs. Lead researchers Virginie Hamel and Jean-Claude Moubarac emphasized that UPFs represent a "substantial and potentially preventable" contributor to cardiovascular disease.
In the UK and US, UPFs now constitute over half of the average diet, with some populations—particularly younger individuals and those in disadvantaged areas—consuming up to 80% UPFs. Common UPFs include breakfast cereals, ready meals, protein bars, fizzy drinks, and fast food.
Need for Structural Interventions
The researchers called for comprehensive policy measures beyond individual education, including taxes on UPFs, front-of-package labelling, marketing restrictions, and reformulation targets. They noted that UPFs dominate Canada's food environment, making excessive consumption widespread and largely involuntary.
"While public education and individual counselling remain important components of health promotion, their impact is limited without broader environmental and policy support," the authors stated.
Expert Caution on Study Limitations
Some experts urged caution. Prof Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, called the study "an interesting attempt at modelling" but said he "wouldn't want to put much trust in the detailed estimates it presents." He noted that further research is needed to confirm a causal link between UPFs and heart disease.
Despite limitations, the study reinforces previous findings linking UPFs to serious health harms across major organ systems. The researchers hope their work will drive clinical and public health interventions to reduce UPF intake as a key component of cardiovascular disease prevention.
