Experts warn of health threat posed by ultra-processed foods

Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 1:10 pm

Experts Sound Alarm on Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods

A new series of papers published in *The Lancet* highlights a significant public health threat: the global rise in consumption of ultra-processed foods. Experts warn that diets high in these foods are linked to a range of chronic health problems. These include an increased risk of becoming overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and higher overall death rates.

The study identifies common ultra-processed foods as sugar-sweetened beverages, packaged snacks, instant soups, breakfast cereals, energy bars, mass-produced packaged breads, ready-to-eat meals, ice cream, and pizza.

The issue has gained further attention through an "ABC News Live Prime" special, "Gut Check: The Foods We Eat," which investigates the American food supply and the potential health risks associated with ultra-processed food consumption. The special includes an experiment conducted at a high-tech laboratory where blood work was monitored before and after eating ultra-processed foods. It also compares ingredient lists of common food products in American and French grocery stores.

The report also examines the food industry's innovations, including a look at the world's largest food and science exposition. The timing of the report is notable, as the Trump administration continues to push food companies to remove additives from their products.

The warnings come as the "Make America Health Again" (MAHA) movement gains traction. A recent poll indicates that about four in ten parents consider themselves supporters of the MAHA movement, with higher support among Republicans and white parents. The poll also revealed that a large majority of parents, regardless of their support for the MAHA movement, support increased government regulations on additives, highly processed foods, and added sugars.

The authors of *The Lancet* paper emphasize that improving diets requires more than just individual behavioral changes. They advocate for global policy reform targeting the production, marketing, and consumption of ultra-processed foods, as well as improved access to healthier food options. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Americans consume over half of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods, on average. The CDC recommends a diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein, and notes that most Americans need to increase their intake of dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium.

BNN's Perspective:

While the findings are concerning, it's important to approach this issue with a balanced perspective. The call for policy reform is understandable, but it's crucial to consider the economic impact of such changes and ensure that any regulations are practical and do not unduly burden consumers or businesses. Encouraging healthier food choices through education and promoting access to affordable, nutritious options should be a priority.

Keywords: ultra-processed foods, health risks, chronic diseases, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, *The Lancet*, ABC News, food additives, MAHA movement, government regulations, healthy eating, CDC

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