Despite an encouraging inflection, Americans remain among the largest consumers of ultra -formed food in the world, according to a new study published Thursday by centers for the control and prevention of diseases (CDC). These products always represent more than half of the calorie contribution to the United States, a level of health.
Between 2021 and 2023, ultra-formed foods constituted 55 % of the average calorie contributions in the United States, CDC reveal. This share even climbs almost 62 % in children and adolescents, compared to 53 % in adults. If the figures mark a drop compared to previous data-56 % for adults and 65.6 % for minors in 2017-2018-, the United States remains at the top of the world ranking, alongside the United Kingdom and Canada.
Ultra-suckled and too salty products
These products (industrial burgers, sodas, chips, processed pastries or prepared dishes) are often rich in added sugars, saturated fats, salt, and contain many additives. Their excessive consumption is regularly associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Our health file
CDCs do not specify the exact causes of the slight decrease observed, but the multiplication of prevention messages on the harmful effects of junk food could have started to bear fruit. In parallel, the United States Minister of Health, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a controversial figure for his antivaccin positions, has made the fight against chronic diseases a national priority. Obesity and diabetes appear at the heart of its commitments, as is its open criticism of the junk food industry.