• Experts warn ultra-processed foods are linked to rising chronic diseases.
• Government action is needed to regulate the production and consumption of UPFs.
• Studies indicate UPFs contribute to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

A new series of papers published in the Lancet highlights that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) pose a significant threat to global public health, urging urgent action from governments worldwide. The review, authored by 43 international experts, points to a shift in dietary habits away from fresh whole foods toward cheaper, highly processed meals, thereby increasing the risk of chronic diseases, including obesity and depression. “The growing consumption of ultra-processed foods is reshaping diets worldwide,” said Professor Carlos Monteiro of the University of São Paulo, illustrating the need for a robust public health response, akin to efforts against the tobacco industry, according to Channel News Asia and BBC.

The Lancet series identifies UPFs as food products that contain more than five ingredients not typically found in home kitchens, such as emulsifiers and preservatives. Notably, the research from 104 long-term studies revealed that 92 of them found a link between UPF consumption and elevated health risks linked to conditions like Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even premature death. However, some scientists emphasize the need for further research to establish causality, as highlighted in discussions from Channel News Asia and India Times.

Experts also criticize the food industry for utilizing aggressive marketing tactics to promote UPFs, often at the expense of traditional, nutrient-rich diets. The series advocates for government interventions such as introducing warnings and implementing higher taxes on UPF products to fund access to healthier food options, stating, “The responsibility for the rise in UPF-dominated dietary patterns lies less with consumers and more with food corporations,” according to analyses from BBC and India Times.

The Lancet editorial describes UPFs as "engineered to be hyperpalatable," and their rapid market growth—now comprising about 50% of food intake in many high-income countries—requires immediate policy action. Critics note that voluntary measures by food manufacturers have often failed to demonstrate significant health benefits, highlighting the necessity for mandatory regulations that hold food corporations accountable for their role in public health decline, according to India Times and BBC.