Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Major Health Risks and Influenced by Religious Cues

Ultra-processed foods—industrial formulations containing additives, emulsifiers, and high levels of fat, sugar, and salt—now supply a majority of calories in the United States, accounting for about 55% of adult intake and 62% of children’s intake. A 2024 review of nearly 10 million people found that each additional daily serving of such foods raises the risk of cardiovascular‑related death by 50%, obesity by 55%, type 2 diabetes by 40%, depression by 20%, and sleep disorders by 41%.

A separate experimental study reported that brief reminders of God or spirituality (“God salience”) can weaken self‑control, leading participants to choose ultra‑processed snacks over healthier options. The findings suggest that religious cues may unintentionally promote junk‑food consumption, adding a behavioral dimension to the already substantial health concerns surrounding these products.