Experts Warn: Ultra-Processed Foods Pose Serious Health Risks

A recent study conducted by 43 international experts and published in the medical journal Lancet warns that ultra-processed foods represent a significant threat to public health, necessitating urgent global action.

Among these experts is Brazilian researcher Carlos Monteiro, who coined the term approximately 15 years ago. He stressed that these foods are increasingly prevalent worldwide and are associated with declining dietary quality and the emergence of various diseases, including obesity and cancer.

Monteiro stated during an online press conference on Tuesday:

"What we currently know about ultra-processed foods and human health justifies the need for public measures on a global scale."

* What are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods include products and beverages made with advanced techniques, additives, and artificial ingredients, often containing minimal whole food components.

Common examples include: soda and instant noodles.

While the term has gained popularity in recent years, some scientists and producers argue that its classification is overly simplistic, and the discussion has increasingly taken on political dimensions.

The authors of the research acknowledged the need for more evidence, particularly to understand how these foods contribute to disease and to differentiate between products within this category. However, they emphasized that the current evidence is sufficient to prompt governments to take action.

* Study Findings

The researchers reviewed 104 long-term studies and found that 92 indicated a correlation between diets high in ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of chronic diseases.

These diseases include 12 health conditions, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Obesity

• Depression

The researchers pointed out that the primary reason for the global proliferation of ultra-processed foods lies in the economic and political power of the industrial food sector, along with the restructuring of food systems in favor of profit.

These foods are linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, and premature death.

This warning comes at a time when the popularity of noodles and soda is rising globally, presenting a significant public health challenge that requires urgent responses from governments and health institutions.