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The Dr. Hyman Show

Ultra-Processed Food Is the New Tobacco—How Big Food Manipulates Science, Policy, & Your Cravings | Michael Pollan

Mar 5, 2025
Join award-winning journalist and food activist Michael Pollan as he exposes the truth behind ultra-processed foods, likening their grip on our health to that of tobacco. Pollan reveals how a few corporations monopolize our food supply, engineering products to keep us addicted. He discusses the fragility of the food system highlighted by the pandemic, the misleading practices of companies rebranding healthier options, and the urgent need for systemic change in food policy to promote better health and transparency.
01:16:11

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ultra-processed foods contribute significantly to obesity and chronic diseases due to their design, which promotes overconsumption and unhealthy eating habits.
  • The consolidation of power in the food industry leads to misleading marketing practices and hampers effective nutrition education and sustainable food policies.

Deep dives

The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods are highlighted as a significant health concern, characterized by their detrimental impact on overall well-being. Other nations have begun addressing the issue more aggressively, with visual warning labels and stricter regulations, unlike the U.S. where such measures are lagging. Research indicates that these foods contribute heavily to rising obesity rates and metabolic disorders, as they often contain added sugars and unhealthy fats designed to promote overconsumption. The link between gut health and skin health is emphasized, with evidence suggesting that the state of one’s gut microbiome can reflect in symptoms such as acne and eczema.

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