Hidden health risks from ultra-processed foods

Lu Qi, professor of epidemiology at Tulane University’s Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, is available to discuss the health risks of ultra-processed foods and what consumers should know about the growing body of research linking them to chronic disease.

Qi recently co-authored a study finding that people who ate more ultra-processed foods had lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of hip fractures. The findings add to evidence that diets high in packaged snacks, sugary drinks, frozen meals and other highly processed products may affect more than weight or heart health — they may also weaken bones over time.

Qi can discuss:

• Why higher intake of ultra-processed foods was linked to lower bone mineral density.
• Why bone health may be another overlooked consequence of diets high in packaged snacks, sugary drinks and frozen meals.
• How the findings fit into broader research connecting ultra-processed foods to chronic disease.

To schedule an interview, contact Andrew Yawn at ayawn@tulane.edu.