Eating lots of ultra-processed foods is linked to having several chronic diseases at once, feeling weaker, living with less quality of life, and having long-lasting body damage — especially in older people.

People who already have kidney problems or are older are more likely to be harmed by eating ultra-processed foods than healthy younger people.

Eating a lot of highly processed foods like chips, sugary snacks, and frozen meals is linked to a higher chance of developing heart, kidney, and metabolism problems, and even dying sooner.

People who eat a lot of highly processed foods like chips, sugary snacks, and frozen meals tend to eat more calories and gain more weight than those who eat whole foods, even when they’re not trying to.

Eating a lot of junk food might make adults more likely to feel depressed or have mental health issues, possibly because it messes with your gut and causes inflammation in your body.

Processed foods often contain artificial sweeteners, chemicals to make them smooth, and toxins from packaging, which might interfere with how your body regulates hunger and fat storage.