Doctor warns popular

Dr. Chris van Tulleken, speaking on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast, warned that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are becoming more dangerous than tobacco, contributing to a global health crisis. Alongside his twin brother Dr. Xand, Chris co-hosts the BBC podcast What’s Up Docs?, where they explore public health issues. He explained that many people still don’t realize how harmful UPFs are, as they’re packed with sugar, trans fats, additives, and preservatives while containing little to no real nutrition. Common examples include ready meals, snacks, and soft drinks. Chris claims that a poor diet, high in UPFs, is now the leading cause of early death for both humans and animals.

Beyond the health risks, Dr. van Tulleken highlighted the environmental damage linked to UPF production. He stated that it’s the biggest driver of biodiversity loss and plastic pollution, and second only to fossil fuels in carbon emissions. He pointed out that some of the most impactful research on UPFs comes from Central and South America, where obesity skyrocketed within a decade due to dietary changes. According to studies, including one from the BMJ, high UPF consumption is tied to increased mortality, even exceeding deaths from cancer and heart disease.