In its mission to renew America’s health landscape, the Trump administration has identified ultraprocessed foods as a primary obstacle. The nation’s newly appointed health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., attributes a rise in chronic illnesses like obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders to these foods. During his Senate confirmation hearings, Kennedy emphasized the damaging effects these foods have, especially on children, and expressed his commitment to eliminating them from federal nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Kennedy stated, “I will do everything in my power to put the health of Americans back on track.” A crucial element of this objective involves educating consumers on the impact of ultraprocessed foods in their daily diets. From sugary cereals for breakfast to frozen pizzas for dinner, these foods constitute roughly 60% of the typical American diet, and even a larger portion of the dietary intake among children and teenagers.
This concern arises from the links between ultraprocessed foods and several adverse health outcomes, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and dementia. Recent studies even suggest these foods can increase the risk of premature death. However, nutrition science is complex, and many studies typically identify associations rather than clear causation when it comes to these health effects.
Food manufacturers argue that processing can enhance food safety and aid in nutritional diversity while providing convenience and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, advising consumers can be complicated given that these foods account for an estimated 70% of the U.S. food supply. What exactly qualifies as ultraprocessed food? Most foods undergo some form of processing, whether by freezing, grinding, or other methods. In 2009, Brazilian epidemiologist Carlos Monteiro introduced a classification for foods based on processing extent, not solely nutrient content. At the top of this four-tier scale are industrially processed foods with additives, colors, and preservatives that can’t be easily reproduced at home.
According to Kevin Hall, a researcher at the National Institutes of Health, these include most packaged foods. However, not all processed foods are unhealthy; examples like whole-grain bread, yogurt, tofu, and infant formula, though highly processed, are nutritious. The conversation becomes more complex when discussing whether ultraprocessed foods are inherently harmful. Although many studies link them to negative health impacts, these studies can’t always determine causation.
Ultraprocessed foods tend to have more sodium, saturated fats, and sugars, and less fiber and protein. Still, it remains uncertain if these nutrients are solely responsible for health issues. Hall and his team conducted a notable experiment comparing the effects on adults consuming ultraprocessed versus unprocessed diets. Participants on ultraprocessed diets consumed approximately 500 additional calories daily and gained around 2 pounds over the study period.
In contrast, those on unprocessed diets lost about 2 pounds. Hall plans further research into this area, although such studies can be time-intensive and expensive. Questions remain about regulating ultraprocessed foods. Advocates like Dr. Neena Prasad suggest that the evidence linking these foods to health problems is substantial enough to prompt policy changes. She recommends actions like taxing sugary beverages and stricter regulations on how these foods are marketed to children.
Former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf has weighed in, acknowledging the complexity of addressing ultraprocessed foods but emphasizing the need for a solid scientific foundation and decisive action. Managing ultraprocessed foods domestically poses its own challenges, as avoidance can be difficult in the U.S., noted Aviva Musicus, from the Center for Science in the Public Interest. She advises that consumers pay attention to food labels, and align choices with governmental dietary guidelines.
It’s crucial not to demonize particular foods since many people lack the resources to prepare every meal from scratch. As Musicus concludes, “Foods should be joyous and delicious and shouldn’t involve moral judgment.” Understanding and managing the role of ultraprocessed foods in a balanced diet remains a complex issue that requires cooperation between consumers, manufacturers, and policymakers.
