Sao Paulo, Brazil – When Brazilian nutritional scientist Carlos Monteiro introduced the term “ultra-processed foods” 15 years ago, he ushered in a new way of evaluating the impact of diet on health. Monteiro’s observation of rising obesity rates in Brazil despite reduced sugar and oil consumption led him to uncover the influence of highly processed foods on health.
Monteiro’s classification system, known as “Nova,” not only considers the nutritional composition of foods but also emphasizes the significance of the processes involved in preparing them. Over the past two decades, scientific research has increasingly linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods to health issues such as obesity, cancer, and diabetes.
Consumption of ultra-processed foods has been associated with overeating and potential undernourishment due to the formulation of these products. These foods, ranging from snack bars to ready meals, are designed to trigger the brain’s reward system, compelling individuals to consume more to sustain the pleasure of eating.
In a study conducted by American metabolic scientist Kevin Hall in 2019, participants who followed an ultra-processed diet consumed significantly more calories, fat, and carbohydrates compared to those on an unprocessed diet, ultimately leading to weight gain. This growing concern over the impact of ultra-processed foods has sparked numerous books, policy campaigns, and academic papers, challenging the food industry’s business model.
The food industry has responded to this challenge with vigorous opposition to potential regulations. Lobbying efforts by food and soft drink-related companies in the US have reached substantial amounts, overshadowing even the tobacco and alcohol industries. This resistance to regulation mirrors tactics employed by the tobacco industry in casting doubt on research connecting ultra-processed foods to negative health outcomes.
As the evidence linking ultra-processed foods to health risks accumulates, experts are left to ponder how this knowledge will translate into policy and regulations. The debate continues, with differing perspectives on the most effective approach to address the growing prevalence of ultra-processed foods in modern diets.
Public awareness of the health implications of ultra-processed foods is on the rise, compelling food companies to reevaluate their strategies amidst heightened public scrutiny. Despite claims of commitment to nutrition and wellness, the industry’s silence on the risks associated with ultra-processed foods has fueled skepticism among health advocates and researchers.