08/07/2025
A major new analysis by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington reveals that even small amounts of processed meat, sugary drinks, and trans fats can significantly increase the risk of serious diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and colorectal cancer.
For example, consuming just one hot dog a day raises diabetes risk by 11% and cancer risk by 7%. A single 12-ounce sugary soda daily increases heart disease risk by 2% and diabetes risk by 8%. The study, which reviewed over 60 previous studies, concluded that there is no safe level of consumption for these foods.
The harmful effects are linked to ingredients like nitrates, nitrites, and added sugars, which promote inflammation, weight gain, and metabolic disruption. Researchers used a rigorous “burden-of-proof risk function” method to evaluate the strength of the evidence.
They recommend minimizing these foods and instead focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fermented dairy.
While the study is observational and based on self-reported dietary data, the consistent findings across research provide strong evidence that even light, regular intake of these foods carries real health risks.
