Ultra-Processed People: How Big Food Is Rewiring Our Brains | Chris Van Tulleken
Apr 16, 2025
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In this discussion, Dr. Chris Van Tulleken, an infectious disease physician and BBC broadcaster, reveals the shocking parallels between ultra-processed foods and cigarettes. He shares his personal experiment of a month-long ultra-processed diet, uncovering how these foods hijack our brain's reward system and regulate hunger. The conversation delves into misleading food labels, the addictive nature of processed foods, and corporate influence on public health, ultimately advocating for policy changes to address the global health crisis.
Ultra-processed foods, often high in sugar and fats, are implicated in serious health issues, including obesity and diabetes.
The gut microbiome significantly influences overall health, making gut integrity crucial for digestion, immunity, and mental well-being.
Advocacy for dietary reform is necessary to combat the public health crisis caused by ultra-processed foods and corporate misrepresentation.
Deep dives
The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods significantly contribute to health issues in modern diets. These foods often contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to various chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. They are engineered to be hyper-palatable, making it easy to consume them in excessive quantities. Estimates suggest that a large proportion of calories consumed by adults and children today comes from these ultra-processed options, highlighting a critical public health concern.
The Role of Gut Health
Gut health is central to overall well-being and plays a pivotal role in various aspects of health, including digestion, immune function, and even mental health. The gut microbiome helps regulate inflammation and nutrient absorption, emphasizing the need for maintaining its integrity. Probiotics, such as Seed's DS01 Daily Symbiotic, can support gut health and contribute to improved skin hydration and immune response. Optimizing gut health may also have implications for aging and chronic disease prevention.
C15: The Essential Nutrient for Longevity
C15 is a newly discovered nutrient that is gaining attention for its potential to enhance cellular function and support metabolism. Found in whole dairy products, C15 is significant in combating inflammation and could help reduce the risk of severe health conditions. However, many individuals, especially those avoiding dairy, may not get enough of this nutrient. The supplement Fatty15 offers a vegan-friendly alternative to ensure sufficient intake of C15, promoting overall health and vitality.
The Need for Dietary Reform
There is an urgent call for dietary reform due to the escalating health crises linked to ultra-processed foods. Awareness and advocacy around food systems and health are gaining momentum, with calls for stricter regulations and policies to reduce ultra-processed food consumption. This movement aims to address systemic issues in healthcare and nutrition, reflecting a growing recognition of the link between food choices and public health outcomes. Engaging in policy discussions and raising awareness is essential for meaningful change.
The Epidemic of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption
The prevalence of ultra-processed foods has created an epidemic of poor health across the globe. As these foods dominate the market, they contribute to significant increases in obesity, chronic diseases, and healthcare costs. The sociocultural acceptance of convenience foods has led to a decline in dietary quality and an increase in preventable health issues. The conversation around this topic is gaining traction, as health advocates urge for fundamental changes to food production and marketing practices.
The Challenge of Food Industry Influence
The influence of the food industry complicates efforts to reform dietary practices and public health policies. Major food corporations often prioritize profits over public health, employing aggressive marketing strategies to promote their products. This has led to misinformation around nutritional guidelines and the classification of foods, creating confusion among consumers. By increasing transparency and holding corporations accountable, society can better navigate the often murky waters of food marketing and health claims.
Ultra-processed food is the new cigarette—and it's fueling a global health crisis hiding in plain sight.
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Chris van Tulleken—infectious disease physician, BBC broadcaster, and author of Ultra-Processed People—to expose the truth behind ultra-processed foods and the industries driving their consumption. To find out what this food is really doing to us, Dr. van Tulleken became the first subject in a groundbreaking clinical trial—eating 80% of his calories from ultra-processed food for a full month.
We unpack what makes ultra-processed food fundamentally different from real food—even when the ingredients look similar, and why its impact on your brain, metabolism, and long-term health is far worse than anyone thought…
You’ll learn:
How ultra-processed food hijacks your brain’s reward system
The science behind food addiction and satiety hormones
Why food labels and front-of-package claims are designed to mislead you
What the latest data says about UPFs and 32 chronic diseases
The global policy movements and lawsuits now underway to fight back
This episode is part science, part exposé, and a wake-up call for anyone who thinks food is just about calories and willpower. If you care about your health, your kids, or the future of our food system, you need to hear this.
