A major new scientific review has raised alarm bells worldwide, revealing that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may be harming every major organ system in the human body. Published in The Lancet, the findings describe UPFs as a “seismic threat” to global health and warn that their growing dominance in our diets is reshaping human wellbeing.
A Global Health Warning: What the Review Found
The three-paper series, led by 43 leading international experts, examined 104 long-term studies and concluded that high consumption of UPFs is strongly associated with a wide range of chronic health issues.
Key Health Concerns Identified
Researchers found links between heavy UPF consumption and increased risks of:
Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Strokes
Certain cancers
Depression
Poor gut health
Higher exposure to harmful additives and chemicals
Early death from all causes
Out of 104 studies analysed, 92 reported significant health risks tied to UPF-heavy diets.
What Counts as Ultra-Processed Food?
UPFs fall under Group 4 of the Nova classification, created by Professor Carlos Monteiro and his team at the University of São Paulo.
Common Examples of UPFs
Fizzy drinks and energy drinks
Packaged snacks and sweets
Ready meals
Instant noodles
Sugary breakfast cereals
Protein bars and shakes
Fast food items
These products are often:
Industrial formulations made with chemical additives
Extremely palatable, driving overeating
High in calories but low in nutrients
Designed to replace fresh, traditional meals
Why Are UPFs Everywhere?
The review highlights how profit-driven global food corporations aggressively promote UPFs, using tactics similar to those once used by the tobacco industry.
Industry Tactics Include
Massive marketing budgets
Lobbying to weaken public health regulations
Funding research to cast doubt on risks
Expanding global distribution, especially in poorer countries
As a result, fresh food is increasingly being pushed out of daily diets.
UPFs Now Dominate Diets in Many Countries
In nations such as the UK and US, more than 50% of the average diet now comes from UPFs.
For many young people and communities facing economic disadvantage, UPFs can make up as much as 80% of their daily food intake.
Calls for Urgent Action
Professor Carlos Monteiro, an author of the series, stressed that humans are “not biologically adapted” to consume such highly processed products.
He warns:
“Ultra-processed foods harm every major organ system in the body. Their rapid rise is reshaping diets around the world.”
Despite some criticisms of the Nova classification, the authors insist the evidence is strong enough to justify immediate public health interventions.
Recommended Policies to Protect Public Health
The second paper in the series outlines several measures to control UPF production and marketing, describing the current global response as “similar to where tobacco control stood decades ago.”
Suggested Policy Interventions
Front-of-pack labels identifying UPF ingredients
Stricter marketing restrictions, especially for children
Banning UPFs in public institutions such as schools and hospitals
Limiting supermarket shelf space for UPF items
Reformulation rules to reduce harmful additives
One standout example comes from Brazil, where the national school food programme is removing most UPFs and plans to ensure 90% of food served is fresh or minimally processed by 2026.
Corporate Influence Still the Biggest Barrier
The third paper describes how global corporations use political and financial power to block or delay regulations that could protect consumers.
Researchers point to:
Front groups
Industry-funded research
Multi-stakeholder alliances
Extensive political lobbying
These networks operate across borders and make it difficult to implement strong health-focused policies.
Experts Welcome the Review but Call for More Research
Independent scientists have praised the scale of the evidence review but caution that association does not always equal causation. They argue that more long-term clinical trials are needed to uncover the biological mechanisms behind UPF-related harm.
Conclusion: A Clear Signal for Public Health
The Lancet series sends a powerful message: ultra-processed foods are not just a dietary choice—they may pose one of the biggest threats to global health today. As consumption continues to rise, researchers say urgent, coordinated action is essential to protect future generations.
Sources
The Lancet Series on Ultra-Processed Foods
University of São Paulo – Nova Classification System
Interviews and statements from Prof Carlos Monteiro and Prof Barry Popkin
For Health & Fitness Products, Click => http://tinyurl.com/5n872ptd