Title: The Slow Decline of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in America - A Step Towards Healthier Living?
The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has been on the decline in recent years, though it still accounts for more than half of the U.S. diet. According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mean percentage of total calories consumed from UPFs by everyone age 1 and older was 55% during August 2021 and 2023, when the National Center for Health Statistics conducted its survey. This is a slight decrease compared to previous years, but it still highlights the need for Americans to reevaluate their eating habits.
The consumption of UPFs has been linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity rates worldwide. These foods are energy-rich with little nutritional value, containing added fats, sugars, and chemicals that preserve shelf life and make them highly palatable. Examples include sandwiches like hamburgers, snacks, and sugary beverages.
The trend in U.S. consumption over the past two decades has been mixed; after a decline between 2013-2015, there was an increase followed by a slight decrease since the last survey conducted in 2017-2018. This suggests that while progress is being made, there's still much work to be done when it comes to reducing our reliance on ultra-processed foods.
The persistent difference in consumption rates between age groups highlights another area of concern - children are consuming more UPFs than adults over the age of 19. This could have long-term implications for their health and wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of educating young people about healthy eating habits from an early age.
In conclusion, while it's encouraging to see a slight decline in ultra-processed food consumption, there is still much work to be done if we want to create a healthier America. By continuing to raise awareness and providing education on the dangers of these foods, we can hopefully encourage more people to make healthier choices when it comes to their diet.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/08/07/nx-s1-5495308/ultra-processed-food-upf-rfk-cdc) #ultra-processed
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