• A recent study highlights the significant role ultra-processed foods play in the global obesity crisis.

  • Scientists indicate that these foods are engineered to enhance palatability, leading to excessive consumption and subsequent weight gain.

  • Medical professionals warn that obesity can lead to a myriad of health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea.

A recent study has identified ultra-processed foods as a key factor in the surge of obesity and related chronic diseases.

Published in the respected journal, Nature Reviews Endocrinology, the review synthesizes current research linking obesity with the rise of ultra-processed foods.

According to researchers, there is convincing evidence that these foods contribute to overeating and heighten obesity risk.

The study points out that additives and preservatives found in items like chips, prepared meals, and biscuits not only lead to excessive caloric consumption but also disrupt digestive processes and impair the brain’s satiety signals.

Furthermore, these foods may alter nutrient absorption and negatively affect the gut microbiome’s health and functionality.

Researchers are calling on policymakers to implement strategies to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply, such as enhanced labeling and marketing restrictions.

Experts not directly involved with the study have praised its significance.

“This study reaffirms the detrimental impact of ultra-processed foods on our health,” commented Mir Ali, MD, of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center in California.

Laura Schmidt, PhD, from the University of California San Francisco, noted, “This review is valuable as it consolidates the latest findings about ultra-processed foods into a comprehensive overview.”

The Effects of Ultra-Processed Foods on Your Health

David Cutler, MD, from Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, acknowledged the initial benefits of ultra-processed foods. Dr. Cutler was not involved in the study.

He recalled that 150 years ago, the U.S. faced significant nutritional deficiencies and diseases due to poor food preservation.

Originally, additives and preservatives were used to enhance food safety and nutritional content.

However, Cutler observed that the use of these substances has been excessively extended in recent decades.

“The dangers now outweigh the benefits we once derived from these additives in ultra-processed foods,” Cutler explained.

Mir Ali pointed out that ultra-processed items are typically low in nutrients yet high in calories. They are also formulated to be extremely appealing, which can lead to overconsumption.

Travis Masterson, PhD, from Pennsylvania State University, emphasized not only the quantity but also the contents of these foods, particularly their energy density.

“Energy density refers to the calorie content per volume of food,” Masterson stated. “There’s a strong correlation between the unhealthiness of a diet and the energy density of the foods it includes.”

He further explained, “Many ultra-processed foods are calorie-dense because they remove elements like water and fiber, which increases their shelf life and enhances their texture, while also adding more fats and sugars.”

Risks of Chronic Diseases from Ultra-Processed Foods

Previous studies have documented various health problems associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

A report from April indicated that such foods could be linked to over 120,000 preventable deaths annually in the U.S.

A 2023 study published in The Lancet found that eating ultra-processed foods heightened the risk of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Moreover, a study projected for 2024 has suggested these foods might be connected to cognitive decline.

Experts assert that the impact of these foods extends beyond mere weight gain and associated chronic conditions.

Mir Ali noted that the preservatives in ultra-processed foods could increase cardiovascular risks. Laura Schmidt pointed out the detrimental effects these foods have at the cellular level.

“Ultra-processed foods not only deprive ‘healthy bacteria’ in the gut of necessary fiber, but they also introduce chemical additives that damage the intestinal lining which is supposed to protect the gut,” she explained. This allows gut bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to widespread inflammation and increasing the risk of chronic diseases.

“Furthermore, the high amounts of sugars, fats, and salts, which are added to make these foods irresistible, pose their own health risks,” added Schmidt.

Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, from the Cleveland Clinic, highlighted multiple concerns regarding additives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and sodium in these products. She noted, “The addictive nature of these substances, along with their taste and texture enhancements, often makes it difficult to practice portion control compared to whole foods.”

She also mentioned that ultra-processed foods frequently replace more nutritious options in diets, potentially increasing the risk of chronic diseases even further.

Impact of Obesity on Health

Recent findings indicate that cancers related to obesity have tripled over the past two decades. These preliminary results were presented on July 13 at ENDO 2025, an annual meeting of the Endocrine Society held in San Francisco, CA.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 41.9% of U.S. adults are currently classified as obese.

A new obesity measurement developed by researchers suggests this number could exceed half of the adult population in the U.S. The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) has proposed this new definition, which includes additional anthropometric measures and comorbidities, though it has yet to be validated.

Additionally, the CDC reports that more than 9% of U.S. adults suffer from severe obesity.

Health risks linked to obesity include:

  • type 2 diabetes

  • heart disease

  • stroke

  • high blood pressure

  • sleep apnea

  • liver disease

  • certain cancers

  • complications during pregnancy

“Obesity impacts every organ in the body,” Ali emphasized.

Kirkpatrick specifically pointed out concerns regarding abdominal fat. “Abdominal fat is metabolically active, situated close to vital organs, and is inflammatory, thereby increasing the risk of metabolic disorders and other chronic conditions,” she explained.

Strategies to Minimize Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods

Reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods can be challenging, experts acknowledge.

These foods are prevalent in grocery stores. Common examples include:

  • sweetened breakfast cereals

  • soda

  • white bread

  • flavored granola bars

  • flavored potato chips

The preservatives in these products make them convenient to store and prepare.

Their flavor-enhancing additives also make them highly appealing.

“These foods are crafted to be exceptionally tasty,” Ali mentioned.

Masterson added, “Various factors, including taste, texture, and calorie density, impact our eating speed, digestion, and the rewarding nature of these foods. Then there are factors like convenience, availability, and aggressive marketing that reinforce their consumption.”

Cutler suggested that an effective strategy is to read labels carefully and to focus more on shopping along the perimeter of the store where fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are located, rather than the central aisles where packaged foods dominate.

“Aim to consume foods in their most natural form,” he advised.

Masterson also recommended home cooking with basic ingredients as a way to improve dietary habits, acknowledging that not everyone has the time or resources to cook.

“Cooking is a valuable skill to develop, regardless of your circumstances,” he stated.

Making smarter food choices can also aid in dietary improvement. Strategies include opting for a banana instead of a snack bar, or choosing whole grain over white bread.

Kirkpatrick advises taking gradual steps to decrease ultra-processed food consumption. “Start by reducing how often you consume these foods. For instance, if you enjoy fast-food burgers, limiting them to once a month can significantly benefit your health,” she suggested.

“If your diet is heavily reliant on ultra-processed foods, working with a dietitian to identify substitutes, cooking tools, and healthier shopping habits can be very helpful,” she continued. “Given their potentially addictive qualities, phasing them out gradually may be more effective than attempting to quit them abruptly.”