Journal of Angiotherapy
Integrative Biomedical Research (Journal of Angiotherapy) | Online ISSN  3068-6326
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Journal of Angiotherapy

Volume 8 Number 8 2024

Article Contents

REVIEWS   (Open Access)
Contents Vol 8 (8)

The Global Public Health Consequences of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Epidemiological Evidence, Mechanisms, and Policy Interventions

Masoud Aedh Alqahtani 1*, Ali Mushabbab Alshahrani 1, Ahmed Mohammed Haqawi 1, Waleed Abdullah Alghamdi 1, Abdullah Ali Bin Jabr 1, Abdullah Mohammed Ghaythan Alqarni 1, Khalid Nasser K Alqahtani 1, Ghadyan Salem Alshammari 1, Muteb Freeh Saleman Alshammari 1, Moteb Rshid Aswi Alshamarimo 1, Sultan Faris Rasheed Alshammari 1, Sharif Owaidh T. Almutairi 1, Hamad Khalid Saleh Alfunayyikh 1, Tareq Ali Suliman Alsalloom 1, Abdulmalik Hmoud Alsuwayh 1, Khaled Mesfer B Alsubaie 1

+ Author Affiliations

Journal of Angiotherapy 8 (8) 1-9 https://doi.org/10.25163/angiotherapy.8810394

Submitted: 05 April 2026 Revised: 15 August 2024  Published: 17 August 2024 

Abstract

Background: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), with their industrial compositions that include additives like sugars and emulsifiers, dominate modern diets and underlie the worldwide rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and diabetes. Their widespread availability and low nutritional density make them a significant public health issue.

Aim: The health impacts of UPF consumption are evaluated in this review, their underlying mechanisms explored, and policy interventions proposed to prevent their burden.

Methods: From Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, a narrative review was conducted based on epidemiological evidence, clinical trials, and meta-analyses linking UPFs with health outcomes.

Results: Excessive UPF consumption is associated with a 26% increased risk of obesity (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.10–1.45), 35% greater risk of CVD (RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.18–1.54), 30% increased risk of diabetes (HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.15–1.47), and 14% increased all-cause mortality (HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08–1.20). Mechanisms include high energy density, gut microbiota disruption, and hyperpalatability. Socioeconomic status deteriorates consumption in vulnerable populations.

Conclusion: UPFs significantly influence NCDs, calling for the deployment of urgent regulatory, educational, and environmental interventions to reduce consumption and promote health equity.

Keywords: Ultra-processed foods, non-communicable diseases, obesity, public health, nutrition policy.

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