A 2025 Japanese cohort study reported that people who eat ramen three or more times per week had ~1.5× higher all-cause mortality risk (HR ≈ 1.52) than those who rarely/never do (especially among men and those under 70).

 

Key findings

  • A 2025 Japanese cohort study reported that people who eat ramen three or more times per week had ~1.5× higher all-cause mortality risk (HR ≈ 1.52) than those who rarely/never do (especially among men and those under 70).

  • A 2014 study found that frequent instant-noodle (ramen-type) intake was associated with metabolic syndrome (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia), suggesting increased cardiovascular risk.

  • Regional analyses have also reported a correlation between higher ramen-shop density and higher stroke mortality (ecological correlation).

How to interpret this

  • These are observational studies; they do not prove causation. Other factors (habit of drinking most of the salty broth, alcohol use, low physical activity, overall diet pattern, socioeconomic status, etc.) may drive the association.

  • Risk signals are strongest for intake patterns like “≥3 times/week” or “drinking almost all the broth,” not for occasional consumption.

Practical steps

  • Don’t finish the broth (reduce sodium intake).

  • Improve overall diet quality with vegetables, fermented foods, fish, and legumes.

  • Lower ramen frequency (e.g., keep to once or twice weekly), avoid pairing with alcohol, and maintain regular exercise.

Notes / references (high level)

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