Key points from article :
A major global review published in The Lancet and led by Professor Carlos Monteiro of the University of São Paulo warns that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) pose a growing threat to public health worldwide. Drawing on 104 long-term studies from 43 experts, the review links high UPF consumption to an increased risk of 12 diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, depression and premature death. The researchers argue that diets are shifting away from fresh, whole foods toward cheap, industrially produced products high in sugar, unhealthy fats and low in fibre, driven by aggressive marketing from multinational food companies.
The authors call for strong government action, including warning labels, higher taxes on UPFs and better access to nutritious foods. They compare the needed response to past global efforts to curb tobacco use. Although the review acknowledges gaps in clinical trial evidence and the difficulty of proving cause and effect, it argues these uncertainties should not delay public health measures aimed at reducing consumption.
Some scientists, however, caution against drawing firm causal conclusions. Critics point out that UPFs vary widely in nutritional quality and that health risks may stem from overall diet patterns rather than processing alone. They also highlight that the Nova classification system labels some healthier items—such as wholegrain bread, low-fat yoghurt, and baby formula—as UPFs. Despite ongoing debate, experts agree that more research is urgently needed and that reducing intake of sugar, salt and saturated fat remains central to healthier eating.
