Processed foods and chronic diseases

It's an open secret, but it's always good for science to confirm it. A group of nutrition and public health experts analyzed the consequences of consuming ultra-processed foods. What is the relationship between processed foods and chronic diseases?

They have become one of the main drivers of the global chronic disease pandemic. They have displaced traditional diets and do so by deteriorating the health of millions of people. The alert arises after an analysis carried out in 'The Lancet'.

Impact of ultraprocessing

The specialists emphasized the enormous political and economic power of large food companies. This industry uses strategies of various kinds to stop regulations that affect its interests. Given this, they pointed out that these actions make the implementation of effective health policies difficult.

In this regard, Alejandro Calvillo, from El Poder del Consumidor, said: "Solid regulation and surveillance systems must be created, because self-regulations have shown that they do not work," according to the newspaper. The Day. Members of institutions from Brazil, Chile and Mexico highlighted the impact of ultra-processed foods. Right now it constitutes one of the biggest public health challenges worldwide.

For this reason, they urged moving towards comprehensive policies. These must range from production to advertising, marketing and, finally, consumption of these products. The series presented by The Lancet evidences it. Several countries have implemented measures to reduce the harm of foods high in sugar, fat and sodium. However, these actions remain insufficient. Processed foods and chronic diseases continue to increase and go hand in hand.

Avoiding regulations

Experts insisted on the need for stronger regulation and surveillance systems. The self-regulations promoted by the industry have proven to be ineffective. According to the newspaper The DayFor these researchers, one of the biggest obstacles to advancing healthy policies is the coordinated influence of the industry. It operates through international networks to block any regulation that limits its profits and prevents unrestricted access to the markets. So the user should have the last word. And you, have you noticed what you have in the refrigerator?