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Americans on average get more than half of their calories from ultra-processed foods, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Thursday.
The report says the average percentage of total calories consumed from ultra-processed foods among those aged 1 and older was 55% from August 2021 to August 2023.
Young people, aged 1 to 18 consumed even higher amounts at 61.9%, compared to adults aged 19 and older at 53%. No significant differences were found between males and females, but low-income adults consumed more ultra-processed foods than those with higher incomes.
The report described ultra-processed foods as those that tend to be energy-dense, low in fiber and contain little or no whole foods, while also being high in salt, sweeteners and unhealthy fats.
Some of the top sources of calories from ultra-processed foods among youth and adults included:
- Sandwiches, including burgers
- Sweet bakery products
- Savory snacks
- Sweetened beverages
For young people, pizza also ranked among the ultra-processed food sources. And for adults, breads, rolls and tortillas made the list.
The report comes as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has targeted ultra-processed foods as part of his “MAHA,” or “Make America Healthy Again,” agenda.
Previous research has shown ultra-processed food is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.
Research published in The BMJ journal last year found higher exposure to ultra-processed food is associated with 32 damaging health outcomes, including higher risk for cancer, major heart and lung conditions, gastrointestinal issues, obesity, type 2 diabetes, sleep issues, mental health disorders and early death.
Other studies have also pointed to the addictive quality of many processed foods. An CBS Reports’ investigation on how ultra-processed foods have become so pervasive in the American diet.
“Most dietary guidelines, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, recommend eating a variety of whole foods and limiting intake of foods with added sugars,” the report states.
