Multiple Chronic Illnesses Linked to Ultra-Processed Foods; UPF Pose Global Public Health Danger, Experts Warn
Multiple Chronic Illnesses Linked to Ultra-Processed Foods; UPF Pose Global Public Health Danger, Experts Warn
New Lancet papers say rising UPF consumption is linked to multiple chronic illnesses and call for urgent policy action.
A major international review published in The Lancet has warned that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) now represent a serious threat to global public health, urging governments to intervene urgently. The series of papers, authored by 43 experts including the Brazilian researcher who coined the term “ultra-processed foods”, states that UPFs are increasingly dominating diets worldwide and are tied to declining nutrition quality and a wide range of diseases.
Speaking at an online briefing, Professor Carlos Monteiro from the University of São Paulo said, “What we know right now justifies global public action.” UPFs, he explained, are industrially manufactured food or drink products containing additives, flavour enhancers, colourants, stabilisers and other ingredients with little or no whole foods. Examples include soft drinks, packaged snacks, instant noodles and many ready-to-eat items.
The Lancet review examined 104 long-term studies. Of these, 92 found stronger associations between UPF-heavy diets and chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and even depression.
Researchers stressed that these studies mostly show associations, not direct causation, but said the pattern is “too strong to ignore,” particularly as UPF consumption has risen to more than half the daily diet in several countries, including the United States.
Some scientists and food industry groups argue the UPF category is too broad and politically charged, but the authors say more evidence should not delay policy action. They call for governments to include UPFs in national regulations targeting foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. They also warn that the influence of the global processed-food industry remains the biggest barrier to meaningful reform.
The International Food and Beverage Alliance responded that its member companies aim to improve diet quality and should be involved in policymaking. However, researchers say the rapid global growth of UPFs continues to outpace public health safeguards, putting populations especially low-income consumers reliant on affordable, shelf-stable items, at increasing risk.
The review concludes that addressing UPFs requires coordinated international policy, improved public awareness and stronger efforts to promote minimally processed diets.
Disclaimer: This article provides general health information and should not be treated as medical advice. Readers should consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalised guidance.
