Doctor and bestselling author Chris Van Tulleken joins Steven Bartlett to discuss the dangers of ultra-processed foods, the impact of junk food on public health, and the lies we've been told about 'health' food. They explore the pandemic of junk food, the predicted rise in obesity, and how exercise alone can't burn off fat fast enough. They also address the link between ultra-processed foods and neurodiversity, as well as the challenges of making healthier food choices in the current food environment.

Ultra-processed foods have become ubiquitous in modern diets. Many of us eat them regularly without understanding their potential impacts on our health. From hidden additives to addictive properties, these highly processed foods can pose risks. Navigating the complex world of ultra-processing can be challenging, and many people struggle to understand what to avoid, how to break unhealthy habits, and make positive changes to their health.In today’s episode, Jonathan is joined by a special guest, Dr. Chris van Tulleken, to explore the science behind ultra-processed food. Dr. Chris van Tulleken is an infectious diseases doctor at University College Hospital, in London, and one of the BBC’s leading science presenters. Chris shares the groundbreaking research from his own lived experiments, including the now famous study with his twin brother Xand. His book Ultra-Processed People is out now.Jonathan and Chris are joined by ZOE regular Tim Spector. Drawing from their combined expertise, our guests provide practical tips and advice, empowering listeners to make informed choices and take control of their diets.Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguideTimecodes:00:31 Introduction02:14 Quick Fire Questions05:25 Start of Chris's journey in nutrition06:47 Discordant twins - How can twin studies help us?08:51 What part do genetics play in our differences in health?12:52 What were the potential consequences of weight gain?15:20 What is ultra processed food (UPF)?16:54 What's the difference between processed and ultra processed food?18:52 Is ultra processing purely about profit?21:13 Examples of ultra processed foods (UPF)23:13 ZOE UPF survey - How much does the ZOE community eat?25:28 Are the products that say they're healthy lying to us?26:12 Are certain ingredients hidden by UPF?27:44 Is low fat yoghurt that good for us?30:39 Is UPF just junk food?32:56 Kevin Hall’s UPF study34:19 What makes UPF addictive?36:34 Chris' ultra processed food experiment39:12 Could food manufacturers make healthier UPF?41:23 How do we solve the issue of UPF as a society?45:26 Practical advice for cutting down on UPF51:37 Summary55:15 Goodbyes55:27 OutroFollow Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorChrisVTFollow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/Episode transcripts are available here.Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to cover? Get in touch and we’ll do our best to cover it. 

Dr. Chris van Tulleken, an infectious disease doctor at University College London and advocate against ultra-processed foods, discusses the alarming health risks associated with these foods, likening their dangers to smoking. He reflects on the historical evolution of food processing and its impact on our health, particularly during crises. Van Tulleken shares insights from his upcoming Christmas lectures, suggesting we rethink our dietary choices for a healthier future. He also offers clever tips for enjoying holiday meals with less guilt.

Dr. Chris van Tulleken, a medical doctor and broadcaster, teams up with Tim Spector, a professor of genetic epidemiology, to dive deep into ultra-processed foods. They explore the addictive nature of these foods and how they're often disguised as healthy options. The discussion tackles the misleading health labels and the alarming prevalence of synthetic ingredients in modern diets. By shining a light on the hidden impacts of these food choices, they encourage smarter eating habits and awareness for better health.

Chris Van Tulleken, a BBC broadcaster and author of "Ultra Processed People," joins to tackle the complex world of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). He explores whether we should fear these foods or embrace their practicality. The discussion reveals how food companies hook us on additives and why it’s not solely our fault. They also contemplate if adding veggies can counteract UPFs' drawbacks, the potential overblown fears regarding gut health, and even the surprising benefits UPFs may offer for many. It's a nuanced conversation about modern eating habits!

Dr. Chris van Tulleken, a food researcher dedicated to uncovering dietary truths, dives into the fascinating history of chicken as a food source. He reveals how chickens evolved from revered animals to mass-produced commodities, raising questions about our food choices. The podcast explores the Chicken of Tomorrow contest and its impact on modern poultry breeding. Ethical dilemmas surrounding the treatment of chickens are discussed, spotlighting the tension between food security and animal welfare. It's a revealing journey into what’s on our plates.

Dr. Chris Van Tulleken, a scientist and doctor known for his engaging lectures on human biology, dives into what happens when we eat. He explains the intricate digestion process, from our mouth to energy production, highlighting the role of the microbiome and hormones. The discussion touches on the importance of balanced diets and the challenges children face in making healthy food choices. Plus, he tackles the allure of sweet treats and the evolving taste preferences, especially in kids, making food a fascinating journey!

Dr. Chris van Tulleken, a medical doctor tackling food ethics and animal welfare, confronts the challenging dilemmas of meat consumption. He questions whether he could personally slaughter an animal and discusses the rise of alternative proteins, including plant-based and lab-grown options. The conversation dives into the emotional struggles consumers face regarding meat choices and examines the innovations in food technology that promise more ethical and sustainable diets. A thought-provoking exploration of our eating habits!

Food enthusiast Dr. Chris van Tulleken explores the complexities of making good food choices, including the importance of understanding food labels and certifications. The podcast dives into the evolving food safety laws, the significance of transparent production standards, and the challenges of tracing the sources and production methods of chicken in processed foods.

Science journalist Layal Liverpool and medical doctor Chris van Tulleken discuss the impact of inequality in healthcare on society. They explore how racism affects health outcomes, the importance of addressing systemic issues, and the role of cultural factors in healthcare practices.