Processed foods raise disease risk; rise in diabetes among young women

A meta‑analysis of more than 60 studies published in *Nature Medicine* found that regular consumption of processed meat and sugary drinks increases the risk of type‑2 diabetes, heart disease and colorectal cancer. Eating just one hot‑dog a day was associated with an 11 % higher chance of developing diabetes and a 7 % increase in colon‑cancer risk, while 3.5 dl of sugary soft drink raised diabetes risk by 8 % and heart‑disease risk by 2 %.

Separate research published in *The Lancet Regional Health* shows a 69 % surge in new type‑2 diabetes cases among women aged 20‑29 in England between 2011 and 2024. The same period saw the average BMI of this group climb from 37.7 to 40.7, placing many in the severe obesity category. Experts warn that early‑onset diabetes in this cohort tends to be more aggressive, leading to greater risks of cardiovascular complications, stroke and amputation.