by germainebull » 24 Nov 2025, 14:01
Researchers have once again raised the alarm about these ultra-processed foods, saying they are a major threat to people's health. These are the sodas, instant noodles and many other foods made with additives and industrial ingredients without whole foods. Professor Carlos Monteiro from Brazil coined the term about fifteen years ago and now says the evidence is more than enough to justify global action.
More than a hundred studies have now shown a link between eating UPFs and chronic diseases such as obesity, cancer, depression and type 2 diabetes. Researchers admit that causality has not yet been directly proven, but the signal is very strong. And consumption of these foods has risen worldwide to more than half of the diet in countries like the US. This means that without early prevention, things can get very bad.
The Lancet series has said that governments should include UPFs in policies on foods high in fat, sugar and salt. But the biggest challenge is the industry itself, because large food and beverage companies do not want to give up their market. They say they want to improve health but they also claim that the evidence is still not enough. This has turned the fight into a very political one.
On the ground, the truth is simple. These processed foods are affordable and shelf stable but they increase the risk of disease. Researchers say prevention is better than waiting for the consequences. If governments take action early, they can reduce consumption and protect people's health. But without political will and overcoming the power of big companies, this battle will remain very difficult.
Source: Reuters
Researchers have once again raised the alarm about these ultra-processed foods, saying they are a major threat to people's health. These are the sodas, instant noodles and many other foods made with additives and industrial ingredients without whole foods. Professor Carlos Monteiro from Brazil coined the term about fifteen years ago and now says the evidence is more than enough to justify global action.
More than a hundred studies have now shown a link between eating UPFs and chronic diseases such as obesity, cancer, depression and type 2 diabetes. Researchers admit that causality has not yet been directly proven, but the signal is very strong. And consumption of these foods has risen worldwide to more than half of the diet in countries like the US. This means that without early prevention, things can get very bad.
The Lancet series has said that governments should include UPFs in policies on foods high in fat, sugar and salt. But the biggest challenge is the industry itself, because large food and beverage companies do not want to give up their market. They say they want to improve health but they also claim that the evidence is still not enough. This has turned the fight into a very political one.
On the ground, the truth is simple. These processed foods are affordable and shelf stable but they increase the risk of disease. Researchers say prevention is better than waiting for the consequences. If governments take action early, they can reduce consumption and protect people's health. But without political will and overcoming the power of big companies, this battle will remain very difficult.
Source: Reuters
