NEJM Interviews NEJM Interview: Dariush Mozaffarian on the health harms of ultraprocessed foods and related policy actions.
Jun 25, 2025
Dariush Mozaffarian, a leading expert in nutrition and the Director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, discusses the pressing issue of ultra-processed foods. He highlights the challenges consumers face with misleading labels and complex ingredient lists. The conversation reveals the alarming health effects linked to these foods and examines transformative policies aimed at promoting healthier diets. Mozaffarian advocates for initiatives like sugary product taxes and improved school meal standards to mitigate the obesity crisis.
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Defining Ultra-Processed Foods
- The NOVA system classifies ultra-processed foods based on their extensive industrial processing beyond natural cooking.
- These foods now make up about 60 to 70 percent of American calorie consumption.
Health Harms of Ultra-Processed Foods
- Ultra-processed foods increase calorie intake unconsciously leading to weight gain.
- Observational studies associate them with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and even mental health issues.
Identifying Ultra-Processed Foods
- Consumers can use ingredient lists to identify ultra-processed foods by spotting unfamiliar additives.
- Choosing whole fruits, vegetables, eggs, and milk helps avoid ultra-processed products.