A new report from experts around the world warns that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are causing serious harm to our health and are a major reason why chronic diseases are spreading across the globe.
The study, published in The Lancet, says food companies are more focused on making profits than protecting public health, and this is making the problem worse.
Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. They include things like fizzy drinks, packaged snacks, ready meals, breakfast cereals, processed meats, ice cream, and mass-produced bread.
These foods often have high levels of salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, and many additives like preservatives and artificial colors—ingredients that are not used when we cook at home with whole foods. While convenient, these foods often replace healthier options in our diets.
The researchers say UPFs are linked to many long-term health problems. Eating too much of them is connected to higher risks of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even early death. They also pointed out that these foods are designed to be addictive and easy to overeat, making it hard for people to make healthier choices.
Although some governments have tried to reduce the health impact of UPFs by encouraging food companies to change their products—like using sweeteners instead of sugar or cutting down on fat—experts believe these small changes are not enough.
They compare the current state of public health action on UPFs to the early days of tobacco control when cigarette companies had strong influence and little regulation.
The experts argue that big food companies are working together around the world to protect their interests. These companies use strategies like lobbying governments, sponsoring research that causes confusion, and forming partnerships to slow down new laws that could hurt their profits.
Sometimes they even challenge health laws in court or get involved in government decision-making. This makes it harder for strong public health policies to be put in place.
Despite these challenges, the researchers believe that the rise in UPFs in our diets is not something we have to accept. In countries like Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and many parts of Asia, UPFs make up less than 25% of people’s diets.
In the UK and US, however, UPFs now make up about half of what people eat. The experts say this shows that change is possible, but action must be taken now.
Professor Chris Van Tulleken from University College London said that the food industry has been reformulating products for decades, yet obesity and diet-related diseases have kept rising.
He said this is not just about changing the ingredients of a few products—it’s about the fact that the entire diet is becoming ultra-processed. And the main purpose of these products is not health, but profit.
Some scientists say that although there is strong evidence linking UPFs to poor health, more studies are still needed to prove exactly how they cause diseases.
Others believe it’s clear enough that we should act now, even as research continues. They also stress the importance of being honest with the public about what we know and what we are still trying to understand.
In the end, the message is clear: ultra-processed foods are harming our health, and we need to take serious steps to reduce how much of them we eat. That means choosing more whole foods, cooking at home, and pushing for stronger food policies that protect people rather than profits.
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