Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are increasingly becoming a dominant part of diets in the UK and US, raising concerns among experts about their impact on health. Professor Carlos Monteiro of the University of São Paulo, who coined the term UPFs, is advocating for tobacco-style warnings on these products due to the risks they pose.

At the International Congress on Obesity, Prof. Monteiro emphasized the dangers UPFs present to both children and adults, attributing the rise in diet-related chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes to the consumption of these heavily processed foods. He highlighted that UPFs are gradually replacing healthier, less processed options globally, leading to a decline in overall diet quality.

The global consumption of UPFs, including items like cereals, protein bars, fizzy drinks, and fast food, has been on the rise. In countries like the UK and US, over half of the average diet now consists of ultra-processed foods, with some individuals consuming up to 80% of their diet in this form.

A recent comprehensive review linked UPFs to 32 adverse health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, mental health issues, and premature death. The ‘Nova’ food classification system, developed by Monteiro and his team 15 years ago, categorizes food based on their level of processing, with UPFs falling into the most heavily processed category.

Prof. Monteiro’s advocacy for tobacco-style warnings and higher taxes on UPFs comes as a response to the alarming trend of these foods dominating diets worldwide. The call for action against ultra-processed foods aims to raise awareness about their potential health hazards and encourage individuals to opt for more nutritious, minimally processed alternatives.