Ultra-processed foods a leading cause of ‘chronic disease pandemic’, experts say

UPFs have been linked to poor health, including an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer and early death (Alamy/PA) -

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are a leading cause of the “chronic disease pandemic” linked to diet, with food firms putting profit above all else, global experts have warned.

Writing in The Lancet medical journal, 43 scientists and researchers joined forces to argue that UPFs are “displacing” fresh foods and meals, worsening diet quality, and are linked to multiple chronic diseases.