Researchers are raising concerns about the impact of ultraprocessed foods on health, linking them to obesity and disease.
Alice Callahan reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- Dr. Carlos Monteiro coined the term ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) to describe items prevalent in modern diets, which are linked to numerous health issues.
- UPFs can lead to overeating and may cause health problems due to their additives and high-calorie content.
- Despite their convenience, there is a growing consensus on the need for dietary guidelines that recommend reducing consumption of UPFs.
Key quote:
“If you look at the ingredient list and you see things that you wouldn’t use in home cooking, then that’s probably an ultraprocessed food."
— Brenda Davy, a nutrition professor at Virginia Tech
Why this matters:
Research has increasingly linked ultra-processed foods to a variety of health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. These foods are typically high in calories, fats, and sugars, but low in essential nutrients, leading to overeating as the body seeks more nourishment. The additives and preservatives in these foods can also disrupt the body's normal metabolic processes, complicating the management of energy intake and fat storage.
Related: Another concern in processed foods? Obesogens.
