Eating a cheeseburger and other processed meats is linked to shaving minutes off life expectancy, according to a new analysis of diet and long-term health outcomes.
Researchers estimate that a single cheeseburger can cost about nine minutes of life, based on its association with chronic disease risk.
The estimate comes from a University of Michigan study that evaluated thousands of foods by weighing their nutritional value against links to illness and early death. The analysis found processed meats and sugary foods were associated with reduced life expectancy, while fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts were linked to modest gains.
Researchers stressed the findings are not a call to eliminate any single food, but rather to understand overall dietary patterns. Replacing small amounts of processed meat with plant-based options, the study found, could produce meaningful health benefits over time.
The study adds to a growing body of research tying high consumption of processed meats to heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, while reinforcing long-standing guidance that balance and moderation matter most. Nutrition experts say the takeaway for consumers is not fear, but informed choice at the grocery store and dinner table.