The Claim
Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is significantly associated with lower scores on a multidimensional sustainable lifestyle index in adults aged 18 and older across 14 Latin American countries and Spain, with individuals in the highest consumption quartile showing up to 2.5 times greater odds of being in the least sustainable lifestyle category compared to non-consumers, after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, physical activity, and smoking.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Adults who eat more ultra-processed foods, such as fast food and sugary snacks, have lower sustainable lifestyle scores than those who eat less of these foods, with the highest consumers being up to 2.5 times more likely to be in the least sustainable group.
See the scientific wording
Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods—including fast food, sugary beverages, salty snacks, and sweet snacks—is significantly associated with lower scores on a multidimensional sustainable lifestyle index in adults aged 18 and older across 14 Latin American countries and Spain, with individuals in the highest consumption quartile showing up to 2.5 times greater odds of being in the least sustainable lifestyle category compared to non-consumers, after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, physical activity, and smoking.
Eating lots of ultra-processed foods changes brain signals that control hunger, pleasure, and daily rhythms, making people less likely to choose habits like walking, recycling, or saving energy because their brain prioritizes immediate rewards over long-term actions.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Sustainable Lifestyles: A Multicenter Study
People who eat a lot of fast food, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks are much more likely to have habits that are bad for the planet—like wasting food, driving instead of walking, or not recycling—compared to those who eat less of these foods.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.