November 26th 2025.
A group of nearly 50 experts from various countries have raised concerns about the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and its detrimental effects on human health. These foods have been linked to serious ailments such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, depression, and even premature death. After reviewing over 100 long-term studies, these scientists have concluded that there is no substitute for fresh and minimally processed foods when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet.
The trend of consuming UPFs is on the rise globally, and this has sparked growing concerns among the experts. They believe that this shift in dietary preferences is being largely driven by powerful corporations that prioritize the production of ultra-processed products. These companies use aggressive marketing tactics and political lobbying to hinder any efforts towards promoting healthy eating habits.
The review published in The Lancet, one of the world's most prestigious and reliable science journals, highlights the lack of clinical trials showing the exact ways in which UPFs harm our health. However, the experts urge for immediate action to be taken as UPFs have been linked to harm in every major organ system of the human body. They view this as a major threat to global health and emphasize the need to reduce the consumption of UPFs worldwide.
The experts point out that traditional food habits, which rely on fresh and whole foods, are being replaced by cheap and unhealthy junk foods. This shift is causing an increase in chronic diseases like obesity and depression. Governments are urged to step up and introduce measures like warning labels and higher taxes on UPFs to discourage their consumption and encourage access to more nutritious foods.
According to the experts, UPFs are defined as foods that contain more than five ingredients that are not typically found in a home kitchen. These include emulsifiers, preservatives, additives, dyes, and sweeteners. Examples of UPFs include sausages, crisps, pastries, biscuits, instant soups, fizzy drinks, ice creams, and supermarket bread. It has been observed that these foods are becoming more prevalent in diets around the world, leading to a decline in the overall quality of our food intake.
In the UK and the US, it is estimated that UPFs make up more than half of the average diet. In some cases, particularly among the younger, poorer, or disadvantaged population, UPFs can make up as much as 80% of their diet. The experts note that this sharp rise in UPF consumption is primarily driven by profit-driven corporations using aggressive tactics to increase consumption and prevent any regulation.
The findings of the experts' review highlight the urgent need for action before the situation gets out of control. They emphasize that humans are not biologically adapted to consume UPFs and urge people to reconsider their dietary habits. It is crucial to prioritize fresh and minimally processed foods as a part of a healthy diet, and the experts' findings serve as food for thought for all of us.
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