It’s no secret that ultra-processed foods can be harmful to your health, but they can also increase your risk of premature death, according to a new report.

Researchers from healthcare institutions in France recently conducted a study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, to determine the relationship between the overall risk of mortality and the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

They defined ultra-processed foods as those “industrially made from multiple ingredients that typically include additives used for technological and / or cosmetic purposes,” the authors wrote in the study. “Ultra-processed foods are mostly consumed as snacks, desserts, or ready-to-eat or reheat meals. “

For the assessment, analysts looked at nearly 45,000 adults aged 45 and over for two years. Subjects submitted 24-hour dietary records every six months and completed questionnaires about their health, physical activities, and socio-demographic characteristics.

After analyzing the results, they found that ultra-processed foods accounted for over 14% of the total weight of food consumed and 29% of the total calories consumed.

They also found that ultra-processed foods were associated with younger age, lower income, lower education, living alone, higher body mass index, and lower levels of health. lower physical activity.

Additionally, they calculated a 14% higher risk of premature death for every 10% increase in ultra-processed foods consumed. A total of 602 deaths occurred during the study.

Although scientists have recognized that more tests are needed to confirm their results, they believe that the additives, packaging and processing of these foods could all be factors negatively impacting our health.