Experts Urge Action Against Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods

A recent study involving 43 international health experts, published in The Lancet, highlights the significant public health risks posed by ultra-processed foods, urging immediate global action.

Among the contributors is Brazilian researcher Carlos Monteiro, who introduced the term "ultra-processed foods" approximately 15 years ago. He notes that these products have become increasingly prevalent worldwide, contributing to declining dietary quality and a rise in health issues such as obesity and cancer.

Monteiro remarked during an online press conference:

"The current understanding of ultra-processed foods and their impact on human health warrants decisive public policy action on a global scale."

* Definition of Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods are defined as products made using advanced manufacturing techniques and additives, typically containing minimal whole food ingredients.

Common examples include: soft drinks and instant noodles.

While the term has gained traction, some scientists and industry stakeholders argue that its classification oversimplifies the complexity of food products and has become a politically charged topic.

The authors of the study acknowledged the necessity for further research to clarify how these foods contribute to health problems and to differentiate between various products in this category. However, they emphasized that existing evidence is compelling enough to prompt governmental action.

* Findings of the Study

The researchers analyzed 104 long-term studies, discovering that 92 of them linked diets high in ultra-processed foods to an elevated risk of chronic diseases.

These conditions include:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Obesity

• Depression

The study indicates that the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods is driven by the economic and political influence of the industrial food sector, which prioritizes profit over public health.

These foods have been linked to a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, and premature mortality.

This warning comes at a time when the consumption of noodles and soft drinks is increasing globally, presenting a significant public health challenge that demands urgent attention from governments and health organizations.