How bad are ultra-processed foods?

Two new papers highlight the societal health harm from ultra processed foods. But what can we do about it? Here, the two papers diverge somewhat, but it is clear we need to do something to mitigate the negative health effects of ultra processed foods.

Links to studies:

About us:

[BobDiaz]

For now education is the best action. I spend decades being obese and in poor health, it was only when I discovered that processed foods were my real problem. Many are unaware that many of the processed foods that are marketed as "healthy" are anything but healthy.

[blueodum]

I think just focusing on eliminating seed oils and processed sugar would take us 80% of the way to where we want to go.

[tke]

I've been trying to tell this to people for a couple of years now. I learned my lesson too late. I waited until I had reached 300lbs, was T2D and had a heart attack to change my ways. I lost 120lbs, reversed diabetes and feel great now, but I still have damage to my heart. I did it with KETO( although I'm mostly low carb now, not full keto) and IF. Worked great for me. Just eat whole foods(organic and grass fed if you can afford it) and eat within a limited time window and you will have a much better chance of staying healthy and at a healthy weight. And, whatever you do, AVOID SEED OILS. Your body will thank you!!

[brianstout]

Do it for yourself. The government has no business telling people what they can and can't eat!

[btudrus]

Sugar is the primary reason. Sugar (fructose/sucrose) acts as a signal on the human body to prepare for the winter (starvation) and thus it leads to a weight gain, craving for food and and a pro-proliferative shift in the metabolism (contributing to cancer).

[Blefiz]

There shouldn't be public intervention only public information, public intervention is what got us here in the first place.

[wingabouts]

Please don't advocate for more policies. A bigger government is definitely NOT what we need, nor is it likely to help the problem. Any problem. Ever! Just keep spreading the word that these foods are bad. When the profit no longer exists in selling this crap, it will stop being produced.

[quartermoonsongs]

Education over regulation. I knew someone once who wanted all meat with fat removed from the shelves., and all animals genetically modified to be less fat. I think regulation is a slippery slope. How do we educate people about healthy food? If no one is buying ding dongs, the company will quit making them. It is about economics and education.

[nancykowalczyk]

I consider your YouTube videos one of the best, smartest science-based information, that I can count on. I appreciate the help you’re giving, , we the everyday, regular person, to help us own and grow our health journey.

[thejoshuathomas]

This is one of those videos where I wish we could hit the like button 50x. This is the messaging all food content needs to emphasize. I have seen an increase in this, but the impatience in me just wants it to be expedited. Stellar video.

[annettestephens]

Currently ‘taste’ and ‘convenience’ rate highly when it comes to food choices in developed countries. It will only change when ‘nutritional value’ becomes a priority for people. Trouble is that there is no money to be made

[cassandrasmom]

I think food & the preparation of foods needs to be prioritized in households. People often prioritize extra curricular activities, work, social media scrolling, etc over the proper preparation of real food. Obviously we live in busy times and those activities are not wrong. However, when there is a spare hour or two, why not do some meal prep to set up everyone in the household for success. Health over convenience 👍

[dawnelder]

The food pyramid was first put together by a dietitian who spent months researching it, along with several people she hired.
Then the senator in charge of the project let his grain growing and vegan buddies change it to the monstrosity that came out.
They wanted her name on it and she refused. She warned them if they put it out and people followed it that there would be a drastic increase in obesity, diabetics, cancer, heart attacks, strokes, depression, dementia, autoimmune, etc. Her warning proved right.
Before that many people were eating more natural foods. Meat, small spud, and vegetables. But they were told that grass products should be the base of the diet, and they need to be ultra processed to be fit to eat most of the time.
So if government takes control, it will be worse than ever. Also you do not want any input from the Adventist cult driven American Diatetic Society.

[iss]

Thank you for the slippery slope argument. That's my concern too. If vegans take over, i don't want them outlawing meat using the same thinking we're tempted to use now on ultra processed food.

[TheCcrack]

the market follows demand. we should be promoting the demand for new alternatives rather than trying to teardown the existing market by force

[chompnormski]

All I know is that I feel better than I did 20 years ago now that I’m on a low carb keto diet for the last 10 months. Lost 35 lbs in the process

[selm]

That's actually a really good point about it being a slippery slope, I never thought of it like that!

[fillbillydeluxebredmon]

Love the content. I am one hundred percent for unprocessed food choices. I am also 100% against mandating against highly processed food choices. It’s all about having the choice. Find ways to help folks make a better one.

[ronhans]

Very aptly put. Access to real unprocessed foods is the key to processed food elimination.

[mrmixitup]

Interesting how freedom and personal responsibility don't factor into your equation. You're all for strict regulation, if not outright banning of these processed foods. Why shouldn't we also ban automobiles? Think of all the lives that could be saved by preventing accidents. But your intentions are certainly admirable. The same reasoning behind every authoritarian regime in human history. Sir, it's not processed foods that are making people unhealthy, it's the WILLFUL actions of individuals who CHOOSE to overeat them. Yet your solution is not one of personal responsibility, but rather one of restricting the freedom of all.