More than half of the calories consumed by Americans come from highly processed foods such as sugary breakfast cereals, flavored chips and soda, according to a new report.

Americans, on average, get 55% of their calories from ultra-processed foods, according to a study published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For children, that figure is even higher, at 62%. Yet, over the last decade, Americans have been consuming fewer ultra-processed foods. MORE: Technology advanced by Penn scientists led to COVID shots. Five years later, RFK Jr. is slashing mRNA vaccine research

Ultra-processed foods are often calorie-dense, low in fiber and high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats. They tend to contain little amounts of whole foods and ingredients. They range from pro

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