What happened?
A new Canadian study has linked ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to up to 38% of cardiovascular disease deaths, prompting UAE doctors to warn residents about the long-term health risks.
Who is affected?
Everyone, particularly children, young adults and people who regularly consume packaged snacks, fast food, sugary drinks and ready meals.
Why does it matter?
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the UAE, making healthier eating habits an important step towards preventing chronic illnesses.
Ultra-processed foods are once again under the spotlight after a new Canadian study linked them to thousands of cardiovascular disease deaths. The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and presented at the World Obesity Federation’s International Congress on Obesity, estimates that reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods could significantly lower deaths from heart disease and stroke. UAE doctors say the findings are highly relevant locally, where cardiovascular disease remains the country’s leading cause of death.
What did the new study find?
Researchers analysed dietary and health data from Canada and estimated that 23% to 38% of cardiovascular disease cases and deaths were linked to diets high in ultra-processed foods.
The study also found that more than 8,300 cardiovascular deaths could potentially be prevented if Canadians reduced their intake of these foods by half.
The research is based on a comparative risk assessment model, meaning it estimates the impact of dietary habits using existing health data. While it does not prove that ultra-processed foods directly cause heart disease, the findings are consistent with years of research linking these foods to poorer health outcomes.
According to the researchers, ultra-processed foods have become a major part of modern diets and are contributing to the growing burden of chronic diseases worldwide.
Why are UAE doctors concerned?
Medical experts in the UAE say the findings mirror what they are already seeing in clinics across the country.
Dr Wesam Wahid Labib Fahum Khalil, a cardiology specialist at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital in Dubai, said ultra-processed foods are increasingly affecting younger people because they are affordable, widely available and heavily marketed.
He explained that regular consumption from childhood can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and unhealthy cholesterol levels—all major risk factors for cardiovascular disease later in life.
Dr Fiji Antony, Head of Department and Chief Clinical Dietitian at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda Dubai, also said patients whose diets rely heavily on ultra-processed foods commonly present with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular problems.
She noted that although the Canadian research is a modelling study rather than a clinical trial, it supports existing evidence encouraging people to choose more whole and minimally processed foods.
What exactly are ultra-processed foods?
Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products made using ingredients that are rarely used in home cooking. They often contain preservatives, artificial flavourings, colourings, emulsifiers and other additives designed to improve taste, texture and shelf life.
Common examples include:
- Fast food meals
- Sugary soft drinks and energy drinks
- Packaged chips and crisps
- Instant noodles
- Processed meats
- Sweetened breakfast cereals
- Packaged cakes, pastries and desserts
- Ready-to-eat frozen meals
These foods are generally high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats while providing relatively little fibre, vitamins and essential nutrients.
How is the UAE tackling unhealthy diets?
The UAE has already introduced several initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits.
In 2020, the country expanded its Excise Tax to include sugar-sweetened beverages as part of efforts to reduce excessive sugar consumption. Reviews by the World Health Organization have reported a decline in sugary drink sales following the measure.
Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi also introduced restrictions on fast-food advertising as part of broader efforts to reduce obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
Health authorities across the UAE continue to promote balanced diets, regular physical activity and routine health screenings to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.
International experts also recommend measures such as clearer front-of-pack nutrition labels, restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods and encouraging manufacturers to improve the nutritional quality of processed products.
Why reducing ultra-processed foods matters?
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally and in the UAE. Experts say many of its major risk factors—including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes—can often be influenced through healthier lifestyle choices.
Replacing ultra-processed foods with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins and healthier fats can improve overall heart health over time.
Health professionals also advise limiting sugary drinks, reducing excessive salt intake and cooking more meals at home whenever possible.
Although convenience foods may save time, experts say relying on them too frequently can increase long-term health risks.
Why It Matters?
For UAE residents, the study reinforces the importance of making healthier everyday food choices.
Here’s why it matters:
- Cardiovascular disease remains the UAE’s leading cause of death.
- Many ultra-processed foods are widely available and heavily marketed.
- Children and young adults may develop health risks earlier due to poor dietary habits.
- Existing UAE health initiatives are encouraging healthier food environments.
- Small dietary changes today may reduce the risk of serious illnesses in the future.
FAQs
What are ultra-processed foods?
They are industrially manufactured foods containing additives, preservatives and refined ingredients, such as packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant noodles and ready meals.
Did the study prove ultra-processed foods cause heart disease?
No. The research is a modelling study that estimates risk based on population data. However, it supports existing evidence linking higher consumption of ultra-processed foods with cardiovascular disease.
Why is this important for UAE residents?
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UAE, making healthy eating habits an important public health priority.
How can people reduce ultra-processed food intake?
Experts recommend eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and home-cooked meals while limiting sugary drinks and packaged convenience foods.
What is the UAE doing to promote healthier diets?
The UAE has introduced measures including taxes on sugary drinks, public health campaigns and restrictions on fast-food advertising in Abu Dhabi to encourage healthier lifestyles.
The latest Canadian research adds to growing global evidence linking ultra-processed foods with serious health risks. While the study does not establish direct causation, UAE doctors say it reinforces the importance of choosing healthier, minimally processed foods whenever possible. As cardiovascular disease continues to be a major health challenge, small dietary changes today could have lasting benefits for individuals and communities alike.
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