CDC Report Reveals Over Half of Americans’ Calories Come from Ultra-Processed Foods
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report indicating that more than half of the daily calories consumed by Americans come from ultra-processed foods. The report, spanning from August 2021 to August 2023, found that both children and adults are significantly impacted, with youth consuming 61.9% and adults 53.0% of their calories from these foods.
This data highlights a growing public health concern. The CDC report notes that ultra-processed foods tend to be hyperpalatable, energy-dense, and low in dietary fiber. These foods also tend to have high amounts of salt, sweeteners, and unhealthy fats. The report states that consumption of these foods has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously warned about the dangers of these foods, stating that the United States is poisoning itself with them. The report emphasizes that while the percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods has slightly decreased over the past decade, the overall reliance on these foods remains high.
Among the top sources of calories from ultra-processed foods for youth, sandwiches (including burgers) were the leading cause, followed by sweet bakery products, savory snacks, pizza, and sweetened beverages. For adults, sandwiches (including burgers) were the leading contributors, followed by sweet bakery products, sweetened beverages, savory snacks, and breads, rolls, and tortillas.
The CDC also notes that there are ongoing concerns about the current definitions of ultra-processed foods and whether they accurately reflect the range of products that may affect health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Agriculture Department have recently issued a request for information to develop a new, uniform definition of ultra-processed foods for the U.S. food supply.
The findings underscore the need for further research and policy changes aimed at reducing the reliance on ultra-processed foods in the American diet. As the nation grapples with the health impacts of these foods, there is a growing call for regulatory reforms and public health initiatives to promote healthier eating habits and address the underlying causes of this dietary trend.