Salt warning: Food with too much salt is now the biggest cause of death and disability

Obesity risk from processed foods

PEOPLE who have a diet with too much salt face a higher risk of obesity and diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart failure and stroke, a new study shows.

 

It found a consistent link between salt intake and body mass index, waist circumference and body fat mass.

Research has already related salt intake to obesity, mainly because it triggers thirst and the consumption of sugary drinks.

It also features in highcalorie processed foods. But the new study, published in the American Heart Association journal, found a direct link for adults and children.

Most of the salt we eat is already in the foods we buy, which is why checking nutritional information on packs to make sure we are making the healthiest choice is important

Victoria Taylor, British Heart Foundation

 

Last night experts called for stronger action from government and the food industry to tackle salt consumption.

Graham MacGregor, head of the research team at Queen Mary College, University of London said: “The food that we eat is now the biggest cause of ill health.”

Victoria Taylor of the British Heart Foundation said: “Most of the salt we eat is already in the foods we buy, which is why checking nutritional information on packs to make sure we are making the healthiest choice is important to help limit the amount of salt we are eating.”