Are ultra-processed foods really so unhealthy? What the science says
undefined 9, 2025
Brazilian researcher Carlos Monteiro coined “ultra-processed foods” (UPFs) in 2009 after noting obesity rose as people replaced home-cooked meals with industrial products. Studies link UPFs to obesity, diabetes, cancer, and higher mortality, but debate persists over whether harm comes from processing itself or factors like fat, sugar, and energy density. Trials show people eat more and gain weight on UPF diets, partly due to fast eating, soft textures, and calorie density—suggesting these mechanisms, not processing alone, may drive health risks.
Read full article
