Food and Behaviour Research

Donate Log In
Advanced Search

ADHD & Dyslexia: What Can Diet Do? - WATCH HERE

Newest updates to health providers on the hazards of ultra-processed foods and proposed solutions

Sherling D, Hennekens C, Ferris A (2024) The American Journal of Medicine Feb 9 S0002-9343(24)00069-X 

Web URL: Read this article on PubMed

Abstract:

At present, the United States (US) has the lowest life expectancy of all 12 large, rich countries in the world.

While overweight and obesity, as well as lack of regular physical activity are well recognized, another less well-known plausible hypothesis to explain this observation is the unprecedented consumption of ultra-processed food in the US.

Whether ultra-processed food contributes to our currently rising rates of morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases requires direct testing in analytic studies designed a priori to do so.

At present, ultra-processed foods are likely to play major roles in a myriad of diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, a variety of cancers, and even mental health disorders.

As was the case with cigarettes, we find ourselves needing to fight a battle where the entertainment industry, the food industry, and public policy do not align with our patients' needs.

This does not mean that we should not begin to engage our patients in this vital conversation. Indeed, it makes it all the more important and timely that we do so.

FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:

The related news article and FAB comment on this article can be found here:


See also this recent article, in which leading researchers make exactly the same case about the sheer urgency of the situation:

These authors also point out that in addition to honest information about what IS known about the health risks of UPF (which health professionals could conceivably provide), food labelling needs to be made more effective, so that consumers can actually identify UPF more effectively.


This book, by pioneering medical doctor, leading researcher and international campaigner Professor Robert Lustig, provides an extensive but highly accessible coverage of both the problems with UPF, and how they can be addressed:


And for a comprehensive summary of how industrialised food systems are harming people and the planet - and proposals on how the resulting problems can be addressed, see this report by the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems:


For more information on this topic, see the following lists, which are regularly updated:

Food and Behaviour Research is a registered charity (No SC034604) and a company limited by guarantee (Co No SC 253448)

Newsletter Signup

Sign up here to receive our free newletters.

Useful Links

Contact Us

FAB Research 
23 Carlton Road
Oxford
OX2 7SA

Important Notice

Medical opinion and guidance should always be sought for any symptoms that might possibly reflect a known or suspected disease, disorder or medical condition. Information provided on this website (or by FAB Research via any other means) does not in any way constitute advice on the treatment of any medical condition formally diagnosed or otherwise.

Site by Redstone Websites. Easy to Use Web Content Management. 2025 © All Rights Reserved.