Macro partitioning

Diets dominated by ultra-processed foods (Group 3) are nutritionally inferior and fail to meet WHO dietary recommendations for the prevention of obesity and chronic diseases, whereas diets based on minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients (Groups 1 and 2) are significantly healthier.

To improve your diet, focus on reducing the proportion of ultra-processed foods (like soft drinks, candies, processed meats, and ready meals) and increasing the proportion of minimally processed foods (like fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and grains) and basic culinary ingredients (like oils and sugar). The study shows that diets dominated by ultra-processed foods fail to meet basic health guidelines for fat, sugar, sodium, and fiber, regardless of total calories. Shifting your food purchases toward whole ingredients is the most effective way to align your diet with chronic disease prevention goals.