Experts Link Ultra-Processed Foods to surge in Chronic Diseases
LONDON – A new study published today alleges that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are a key driver of a growing “chronic disease pandemic,” with researchers accusing the food industry of deliberately skewing public perception and hindering efforts to address the issue. The research, led by academics at University college London, points to a three-decade increase in obesity and diet-related illnesses coinciding with widespread food reformulation by the industry.
Professor Chris Van Tulleken, one of the study’s authors, warned, “This is not a product level discussion. The entire diet is being ultra-processed.” The study claims the food industry has actively worked to “skew decision-making, frame policy debates in their interest, and manufacture the appearance of scientific doubt.”
While the research highlights a strong correlation between UPF consumption and negative health outcomes, some experts urge caution, emphasizing the need for further research to establish definitive causation.
Kate Halliwell, chief scientific officer at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), countered the claims, stating that member companies have made significant changes to improve the nutritional profile of products, reducing salt by a third, sugar by a third, and calories by a quarter since 2015, in line with government guidelines.
However, previous studies, including those cited by the British Heart Foundation, have linked UPFs to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and premature death. A 2023 meta-analysis published in PubMed suggested a connection between UPF intake and a higher risk of various cancers, including colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancer.
The findings come as Cancer Research UK launches a campaign to encourage Britons to seek medical attention for potential cancer symptoms, citing difficulties in securing GP appointments and a tendency to downplay symptoms as key barriers to early diagnosis. the charity has partnered with tesco to train pharmacists to identify potential cancer signs and provide advice on next steps.
