Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States that affects people of all ages. A new study shows that more than half of the American diet comes from 'ultra-processed foods' like frozen pizza and breakfast cereals to name a few.

The typical American consumes around 58 percent of ultra-processed foods and this comprises 90 percent of added sugars in their diet.

The study published in BMJ Open defines ultra-processed foods as the addition of flavorings and additives that simulate the taste of real food.

Most Americans Exceed the Recommended Added Daily Sugar Intake

According to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC), more than 70 percent of American adults have more than the recommended added sugar intake, per Jama Internal Medicine. The Los Angeles Times notes that the recommended intake should only be 10 percent of their total daily calories.

Excessive consumption of added sugars such as soda, desserts, instant noodles, frozen pizzas, chicken nuggets, confectioners, breakfast cereals and packaged snacks can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, increased risk of heart disease and hypertension.

The researchers looked at the data of more than 9,000 people who participated in the 2009-10 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that on average, the participants consumed around 2,000 calories a day. Nearly 30 percent of the calories come from raw to minimally processed foods like eggs, milk, fish and vegetables. 10 percent comes from processed foods like cured meat and cheese, but ultra-processed foods took the bulk at 3 in every 5 of their calories consumed every day.

Lead author Euridice Martinez Steele from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil recommends holding back on eating ultra-processed foods.

"Decreasing the consumption of ultra-processed foods may be an effective way of reducing the excessive added sugar intake in the U.S.," Steele said, notes Health Day.

Ways to Clean Up the American Diet

Steering clear of ultra-processed foods can be tough at first, but there are ways to clean up the diet. Having organic food more available at home is one way of cutting consumption. However, the first step is to clear the fridge and pantry at home of ultra-processed foods, per Integrative Nutrition.

The next step is to integrate more vegetables into your diet. There are plenty of fun and new recipes to try out on the internet that even kids would like. Drinking more water is always a good thing as well. Replacing sugary beverages and artificially flavored drinks could do you a whole lot of good.

Any food that comes in a package, be it in a box or in plastic, is bound to be processed. Have home-cooked meals, desserts and snacks instead as you'll know what kind of foods are going into your body. Fresh fruits or veggies should accompany every meal. In this way, you'll know for sure that you're having something green every day.

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