Ultra-Processed Foods Pose Global Public Health Concerns, Lancet Experts Warn

The alarming truth about public health problems and hazards has been revealed in a recent study. According to the report, ultra-processed foods pose a threat to the world’s public health and contribute to an increase in diseases like diabetes and obesity.

A study has highlighted the global public health threat, based on a fresh collection of articles published in the Lancet medical journal by 43 international specialists.

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The authors called for prompt public health measures to address UPFs and enhance diets worldwide. They advocated for coordinated measures to lower the manufacture, marketing, and consumption of UPF, as well as to increase access to nutritious food, rather than depending on changes in consumer behavior.

Ultra-processed food sales surge in India: 

India is also facing a similar crisis. According to the study, retail sales of UPFs in India increased forty times, from 0.9 billion USD in 2006 to about 38 billion USD in 2019.

According to a new three-paper series published in The Lancet on Wednesday, India has the fastest increase in ultra-processed food sales and the dietary change that results is contributing to rising obesity and diabetes cases, which are causing poor health.

What are ultra-processed foods?

UPFs are food items that are generally high in fat, sugar, salt and packed with undesirable and hazardous components. Mass-produced breads, breakfast cereals, reconstituted meat products, instant noodles, soft drinks, frozen meals, packaged snacks, and confectioneries are some typical examples of UPFs. The health crisis is serious and everyone has to look after it very seriously. We should adopt a healthy lifestyle and especially need to avoid junk food as much as possible.

(Disclaimer: Given the input is on an information basis, please seek professional advice.)