Ultra-processed food linked to harm in every major human organ, study finds

"Ultra-processed food (UPF) is linked to harm in every major organ system of the human body and poses a seismic threat to global health, according to the world's largest review. UPF is also rapidly displacing fresh food in the diets of children and adults on every continent, and is associated with an increased risk of a dozen health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression."

"The sharp rise in UPF intake worldwide is being spurred by profit-driven corporations using a range of aggressive tactics to drive consumption, skewer scientific debate and prevent regulation, the review of evidence suggests. The findings, from a series of three papers published in the Lancet, come as millions of people increasingly consume UPF such as ready meals, cereals, protein bars, fizzy drinks and fast food."

"Evidence reviewed by 43 of the world's leading experts suggests that diets high in UPF are linked to overeating, poor nutritional quality and higher exposure to harmful chemicals and additives. A systematic review of 104 long-term studies conducted for the series found 92 reported greater associated risks of one or more chronic diseases, and early death from all causes. The first paper in this Lancet series indicates that ultra-processed foods harm every major organ system in the human body."

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are linked to harm across every major organ system and appear poorly suited to human biology. UPF consumption is rising globally, displacing fresh foods in children’s and adults’ diets and now comprises more than half of average diets in the UK and US, reaching up to 80% for younger, poorer, or disadvantaged groups. Diets high in UPF are associated with overeating, poor nutritional quality, greater exposure to harmful chemicals and additives, and elevated risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, multiple chronic conditions, and premature death. Aggressive corporate tactics have driven increased intake and hindered regulation.

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