international Experts warn of a Major Threat to Public Health: “We Must Act Urgently”
A growing body of research is highlighting the significant health risks associated with diets high in ultra-processed foods (AUT). Experts analyzing approximately one hundred previous studies have found “significant associations” between the consumption of these foods and twelve different health problems,including obesity,type 2 diabetes,cardiovascular diseases,and depression.The findings underscore a critical need for public health action,according to researchers.
The concern stems from the poor nutritional quality of ultra-processed foods, and also the potential health impacts of the chemicals and additives used in their production. These foods also contribute to overconsumption. A recent report notes a concerning trend: “There are houses without kitchens since all you need is a microwave, a fridge and a trash can to eat,” illustrating a reliance on readily available, ultra-processed options.
while the studies primarily demonstrate an association – not direct causality – between AUT consumption and disease, researchers believe the evidence is strong enough to warrant immediate intervention. French nutritionist Mathilde Touvier (Inserm), a participant in studies published in The Lancet, emphasized the urgency, stating, “More and more studies show that a diet rich in ultra-processed foods is harmful to health.” She cautioned against dismissing the current scientific evidence due to lobbying efforts aimed at protecting industry profits.
The Lancet editorial asserts that the rise of ultra-processed foods is “driven by powerful multinational corporations employing sophisticated political tactics to protect and maximize their profits.” Currently, AUTs comprise roughly 50% of household diets in many high-income countries, with consumption rapidly increasing in low- and middle-income nations.
Scientists are proposing several strategies to address the issue, including mandatory labeling of products to indicate their ultra-processed nature, improved legislation regarding salt, sugar, and fat content, and restrictions on advertising targeted towards children. The Lancet concludes that the research “strengthens the argument for immediate implementation of policies to address the challenge of ultra-processed foods.”
