A major new report published in The Lancet medical journal has issued a stark warning, stating that the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) worldwide is directly fueling a rise in chronic diseases and causing significant damage to public health. The series, released recently, places the blame squarely on powerful multinational corporations that use sophisticated political strategies to protect their profits.
The Alarming Health Risks of UPFs
The evidence against ultra-processed foods is overwhelming. The Lancet series included a systematic review of 104 prospective studies, of which a staggering 92 showed a clear link between diets high in UPFs and a greater risk of developing chronic conditions. Researchers identified 15 specific health outcomes with a statistically significant association to UPF consumption.
These serious health risks include Type 2 diabetes, depression, overweight and obesity, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of death from all causes. The report defines UPFs as branded, commercially made products created from cheap ingredients and numerous additives. They typically contain little to no whole food and are designed to be hyper-palatable, encouraging overconsumption and displacing traditional, nutrient-rich diets.
A Call for Government Action and Regulation
The series includes a powerful editorial that calls on governments worldwide to prioritize the health of their citizens over corporate profits. It notes that in many high-income nations, UPFs make up about 50% of household food intake, and their consumption is growing rapidly in low and middle-income countries like India.
The report strongly criticizes the effectiveness of voluntary actions by the food industry, stating they have had minimal to no impact and are often used as a tactic to prevent mandatory regulations. The authors stress that for any policy to be effective, it must be government-led and mandatory. They argue that responsibility for the unhealthy shift in global diets lies less with individual consumers and more with the food corporations themselves, who should be held accountable.
The Power of the UPF Industry
The final paper in the series sheds light on the immense power and influence of the ultra-processed food industry. It points out that just eight giant transnational companies control a massive 42% of global UPF production. These corporations, which include Nestle, Pepsico, Coca-Cola, and Unilever, held total assets of $1.5 trillion in 2021.
The paper details the various tactics these companies use to counter opposition and block, weaken, or delay government regulations that could impact their profits. The series concludes by defining a healthy and sustainable diet as one that is low in UPFs, supports lifelong health, and has a low environmental impact, starting with breastfeeding and comprising diverse, minimally processed foods.
