Overconsumption
Too much sugar and bad fats, too little fiber and protein: according to the 43 international experts from the Lancet, diets rich in ultra-processed foods are of poor nutritional quality. In addition, they expose people to chemicals and additives that are potentially problematic for health. They also lead to overconsumption of food.
The ultra-processed fashion: “There are houses without kitchens since all you need is a microwave, a fridge and a trash can to eat”
Additionally, most studies reviewed by experts show a link between diets rich in AUT and various diseases. These experts analyzed the results from around a hundred previous studies and they show “significant associations” for twelve health problems. Among others, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression… The potential factors at play in these pathologies could be food additives or even contaminants linked to processing processes and packaging.
An association but not a causal link
The authors, however, would like to emphasize that most of these studies aimed only to establish an association, and not a direct causality, between the disease and ultraprocessed foods. They therefore call on their colleagues to continue the research, but believe that the signal is strong enough to launch global public action. “More and more studies show that a diet rich in ultra-processed foods is harmful to health. While a debate on ultra-processed foods within the scientific community is welcome to strengthen the level of available evidence, particularly on the mechanisms and factors involved, it should be distinguished from attempts by lobbies to discredit current scientific evidence and slow down public health policies”says French nutritionist Mathilde Touvier (Inserm), who participated in studies of Lancet.
These assert that “This increase in ultra-processed foods is driven by powerful multinational corporations employing sophisticated political tactics to protect and maximize their profits“.
How ultra-processed foods cause disease “in proportions never seen before”
Scientists also suggest avenues: indicate the ultra-processed nature of products on the packaging, improve legislation on the salt, sugar and fat content of foods or restrictions on advertising aimed at children.
“Ultra-processed foods are aggressively marketed and designed to be hyper-palatable, encouraging their repeated consumption and often leading them to replace traditional nutrient-dense foods. In many high-income countries, AUTs represent approximately 50% of household diets, and their consumption is increasing rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. (…) The series of articles from Lancet strengthens the argument for immediately implementing policies to address the challenge of ultra-processed foods”still asserts The Lancet in his editorial.
