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The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning, linking ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and alcohol consumption to a staggering 2.7 million deaths annually across Europe. Previous research has established connections between UPFs and 32 health conditions, prompting the WHO to highlight the dire consequences of these harmful products and practices.
According to the WHO, “more than 7,400 people are dying every day” in its European region due to the consumption of these detrimental products. UPFs contribute to 24% of all deaths, with cardiovascular diseases (51.4%) and cancer (46.4%) being the leading causes of mortality.
The WHO emphasizes the concerning influence of commercial entities, stating, “Regardless of the product they sell, their interests do not align with either public health or the broader public interest.” It further asserts that these industries should not have a role in shaping policies that could affect their sales and profits, reported Birmingham Live.
While some countries have implemented legal measures to regulate alcohol and unhealthy food marketing, the WHO notes that these efforts are often limited in scope, providing inadequate protection. Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasizes the insidious tactics employed by industries, including targeted marketing strategies and false claims about product benefits.
In light of these alarming statistics, nutritional therapist Daisy Nicomanis suggests healthy swaps to combat the consumption of processed foods. These include replacing processed cereal with yogurt and oats, opting for homemade pasta salad over ham sandwiches, and choosing homemade alternatives like granola bars and pizza over their supermarket counterparts.
Dr. Kluge emphasizes the urgent need for action, stating, “Four industries kill at least 7,000 people in our region every day.” He highlights the detrimental impact of industry interference on public health initiatives and underscores the importance of protecting health policy from such interference.
As the battle against unhealthy consumption habits rages on, the WHO’s call for stricter regulations and public awareness becomes increasingly urgent. With millions of lives at stake, addressing the root causes of these preventable deaths is paramount to safeguarding public health and well-being across Europe.
