THE WORLD’S largest review of evidence confirms that diets high in ultra-processed foods pose serious risks to human health, affecting every major organ system.
Ultra-Processed Foods Impact the Whole Body
A series of three papers reviewed 104 long-term studies and found that 92 reported increased risk of chronic disease or early death linked to ultra-processed food intake. These products, including ready meals, soft drinks, packaged snacks, and fast food, are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and other conditions. Experts warn that humans are not biologically adapted to consume these heavily processed products, which displace fresh and minimally processed foods.
Consumption statistics underscore the scale of the problem: in the UK and USA, more than 50% of the average diet comes from ultra-processed foods, while some populations, particularly younger, lower-income, or disadvantaged groups, consume up to 80% of their diet from these products. Intake is rapidly increasing in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting a global health concern.
Corporate Influence and Environmental Costs
The review emphasises that the rise in ultra-processed foods is driven by a handful of multinational corporations, including Nestlé, PepsiCo, Unilever, and Coca-Cola, which engineer hyperpalatable foods, market aggressively, particularly to children, and lobby to prevent effective regulation. Industrial production, processing, transport, and plastic packaging of ultra-processed foods are energy intensive and environmentally damaging, linking dietary patterns directly to planetary health concerns.
Global Policy Action Needed
To curb this public health crisis, the series recommends comprehensive, coordinated action. Key measures include: front-of-pack warning labels, marketing restrictions for children, bans on ultra-processed foods in schools and hospitals, and higher taxes on ultra-processed foods. Brazil provides a model: its national school food programme aims to ensure 90% of meals are fresh or minimally processed by 2026. Equity is a central concern, as consumption is highest among lower-income households that rely on cheaper ultra-processed food options. Supporting local, minimally processed foods and redirecting agricultural subsidies are also crucial steps.
Ultra-processed foods represent a global health crisis, affecting both human and planetary health. Experts urge immediate, coordinated policies to reduce consumption, regulate corporate practices, and transform food systems worldwide.
Reference
Monteiro CA et al. Ultra-processed foods and human health: the main thesis and the evidence. Lancet. 2025; DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01565-X.
