American Journal of Public Health Flags Ultra-Processed Food Risks as UPFs Top 50% of Adult Calories
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 5
American Journal of Public Health Flags Ultra-Processed Food Risks as UPFs Top 50% of Adult Calories
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 5
Summary
A new American Journal of Public Health special issue and website section frame ultra-processed foods as a major public-health threat, citing links to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cancer, dementia, higher BMI, blood sugar and blood pressure.
More than 50% of adult calories in the UK and US now come from UPFs, while children get closer to two-thirds, a level experts tie to products engineered around sugar, fat and salt to maximize repeat eating.
Researchers say preservatives, sweeteners and other industrial ingredients may trigger chronic gut inflammation, adding to concerns about accelerated ageing, visceral fat gain and rising disease in younger adults.
The journal and allied researchers argue individual advice is not enough, backing government action including front-of-pack warnings, curbs on marketing to children, restrictions in public institutions and higher taxes.