In this engaging conversation, Dr. Chris Van Tulleken, a practicing infectious diseases doctor and prominent science broadcaster, dives into the alarming prevalence of ultra-processed foods in our diets. He sheds light on how these foods, which make up 60% of the UK's average diet, are linked to early mortality, even outpacing tobacco. Chris explains the hidden dangers posed by deceptive food labeling and discusses how these foods profoundly impact our eating behaviors, making it harder to regulate intake and profoundly affecting health.
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Harm Beyond Weight
Ultra-processed food consumption is harmful regardless of its impact on weight.
It's linked to various health issues, even early death, independent of weight gain.
insights INSIGHT
Processing vs. Ultra-Processing
There's a critical difference between necessary food processing and ultra-processing.
Ultra-processing focuses on creating profitable products that are convenient, marketable, and addictive.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Deceptive Bread
Rangan Chatterjee bought ultra-processed bread labeled "wholemeal" and "no added sugar".
Chris van Tulleken analyzed the ingredients, revealing numerous additives and unhealthy components, highlighting deceptive marketing.
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In this book, Chris van Tulleken marshals the latest evidence to show how governments, scientists, and doctors have allowed transnational food companies to create a pandemic of diet-related disease. He undertakes a self-experiment, eating a diet of 80 percent ultra-processed food for a month, under the supervision of colleagues at University College London. The book explores the origins, science, and economics of ultra-processed foods, revealing their catastrophic impact on our bodies and the planet. Van Tulleken proposes real solutions for doctors, policymakers, and consumers, emphasizing the need for global action to address the issue.
Here in the UK, ultra-processed food makes up 60 percent of the average diet. The trouble is, says today’s guest, UPFs have been shown to be the leading cause of early death in the world, ahead of tobacco.
Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.
Today’s clip is from episode 414 of the podcast with Dr Chris van Tulleken. Chris is a practising infectious diseases doctor, one of the UK’s leading science broadcasters, and author of the book Ultra-Processed People.
Over consumption of ultra-processed foods may be the biggest public-health crisis of our time and, in this clip, he shares why he believes we eat stuff that isn’t really food and why can’t we stop.
Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/414
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
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