The world's largest scientific review has concluded that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are linked to harm in every major organ system of the human body, posing a significant threat to global health. The findings, published in a series of three papers in The Lancet, are based on evidence reviewed by 43 leading experts and include a systematic analysis of 104 long-term studies.
UPFs, which include ready meals, cereals, protein bars, fizzy drinks and fast food, are rapidly displacing fresh food in diets across all continents. The review found that high consumption of UPFs is associated with an increased risk of 12 health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression. In the UK and US, UPFs now account for more than half of the average diet, and for some disadvantaged groups, this figure reaches 80%.
Professor Carlos Monteiro, one of the lead authors from the University of São Paulo, emphasised that the evidence strongly suggests humans are not biologically adapted to consume UPFs. The Nova classification system, developed by Monteiro and his colleagues, categorises UPFs as industrially manufactured products often containing artificial flavours, emulsifiers and colourings, which are high in calories but low in nutrients.
The review also highlights that the rise in UPF consumption is driven by global corporations using aggressive marketing and political lobbying to maximise profits while blocking effective public health policies. The authors call for urgent regulatory action, comparing the current situation to the early days of tobacco control. They stress that future research must not delay immediate measures to curb the UPF epidemic.
