The world's largest scientific review has found 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. Published in a series of three papers in The Lancet, the review analysed 104 long-term studies and found that 92 reported increased risks of chronic diseases and early death.
UPFs, which include ready meals, cereals, protein bars, fizzy drinks and fast food, now make up more than half the average diet in the UK and US. For some groups, particularly younger, poorer or disadvantaged individuals, UPFs can account for up to 80% of their diet. The review warns that consumption is rising rapidly worldwide, driven by profit-focused corporations using aggressive marketing and lobbying to prevent regulation.
Lead author Professor Carlos Monteiro from the University of São Paulo stated: 'The evidence strongly suggests that humans are not biologically adapted to consume them.' He and his colleagues developed the Nova classification system, which groups foods by processing level, with UPFs being industrially manufactured products often containing artificial flavours, emulsifiers and colouring.
The review found that diets high in UPFs are associated with overeating, poor nutritional quality and higher exposure to harmful chemicals. Critics argue that the UPF category is ill-defined and existing health policies are sufficient, but the authors insist that urgent action is needed. They call for policies to regulate UPF production, marketing and consumption, comparing the current situation to the early days of tobacco control.
