LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: A photo illustration of 'Ultra Processed' foods on February 16, 2018 in London, England. (Photo illustration by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Getty Images

The average American gets more than half their calories in a day from ultra-processed foods, according to new data published by the CDC . According to the report, between August 2021-2023, the average percentage of calories consumed from UPFs by Americans aged 1 and older was 55%. For those between the ages of 1 to 18, the average consumption was nearly 62% of total calories in a day.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

UPFs are generally energy rich foods that are high in calories with little nutritious value. They tend to be high in saturated fats, added sugars and salts. Many ingredients found in UPFs a

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