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Ultra-Processed Foods: New Leading Cause of Early Death, Surpassing Tobacco, Expert Warns
A health expert has stated that a specific food category has now eclipsed tobacco as the primary cause of premature death. Doctor Chris van Tulleken, speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett, alerted the UK public to the widespread consumption of this harmful dietary staple.
The Pervasiveness of Ultra-Processed Foods in Modern Diets
Dr. van Tulleken, an infectious disease specialist and science presenter for the BBC, discussed his book, Ultra-Processed People, highlighting the dangers of consuming junk foods. He explained the long-standing confusion surrounding healthy eating and the absence of effective labeling for detrimental foods, even as diet-related illnesses become increasingly prevalent globally.
He emphasized the extensive global consumption of ultra-processed foods, embedding them deeply within contemporary diets.
Disproportionate Impact on Low-Income Communities
Dr. van Tulleken noted that individuals with lower incomes are more likely to purchase junk food options. He asserted, “Poor diet, characterized by high consumption of ultra-processed foods, has overtaken tobacco as the leading cause of early mortality worldwide for humans, farmed animals, and wildlife.”
Environmental Consequences of Ultra-Processed Food Production
He further explained that ultra-processed food production is now the primary driver of biodiversity loss and the second leading contributor to carbon emissions. Additionally, he identified it as a major source of plastic pollution.
Defining Ultra-Processed Foods
The BBC presenter clarified that the definition of ultra-processed foods was established twelve years prior, initially to describe a “western industrial American diet.” This categorization was developed by a research team in Brazil. Dr. van Tulleken highlighted that Central and South American countries are conducting crucial research in this area due to the rapid emergence of obesity as a dominant public health issue, transitioning from a previously rare condition.
He elaborated, “The sole significant change has been the influx of industrial processed foods, largely mirroring an American dietary pattern. The definition originated in 2009/2010, and a decade of evidence now unequivocally demonstrates that ultra-processed food is responsible not only for widespread weight gain and obesity but also for a range of other health problems, including premature death.”
Ultra-Processed Foods: As Addictive as Tobacco and Alcohol?
Dr. van Tulleken cited research indicating that ultra-processed foods can be as addictive as tobacco, alcohol, gambling, or drugs for some individuals. He also cautioned against pressuring loved ones to stop eating junk food and exercise more, suggesting this can be counterproductive and reinforce harmful eating habits.
Scientific Studies on Health Risks
A study revealed a strong correlation between high ultra-processed food consumption and an elevated risk of various chronic diseases and mental health disorders. The research stated, “Currently, no study has reported a beneficial health outcome associated with ultra-processed food (UPF) intake.”
The study concluded, “These findings suggest that dietary patterns characterized by low UPF consumption may yield significant public health benefits.”
Link to Increased Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease
Another study further concluded that higher UPF consumption is associated with an increased risk of mortality from all causes and cardiovascular disease, with metabolic pathways playing a mediating role in this connection.