Americans’ Reliance on Ultra-Processed Foods is Worsening

Americans’ Reliance on Ultra-Processed Foods is Worsening
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A new federal report, based on a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) survey conducted between August 2021 and August 2023, reveals that ultra-processed foods now account for more than half of the calories consumed by Americans aged one and older, according to Earth.com. Children are consuming an even higher percentage of these foods than adults.

Ultra-processed foods are described as “hyperpalatable,” low in fiber, and high in salt, sweeteners, and unhealthy fats. Their high consumption has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and early death. While the report notes a slight decline in the percentage of calories from these foods, experts emphasize the need for widespread education and policy changes in homes, schools, and workplaces to further reduce intake.

The issue is gaining political traction, with the White House’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., releasing a report that blames ultra-processed foods for the nation’s chronic disease epidemic. However, the report has faced criticism for some of its other stances, signaling potential conflicts between the administration and public health experts. The ultimate success of these efforts will depend on whether they can be translated into concrete actions.