Carlos Monteiro, Camila Corvalán, and Phil Baker on Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health

This podcast explores the impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) on global health, highlighting their displacement of traditional diets and the associated rise in chronic diseases. Carlos Monteiro defines UPFs within the NOVA system, emphasizing their formulation for profit maximization using cheap ingredients and cosmetic additives to replace whole foods. The discussion covers evidence from nine countries showing increased UPF consumption, linking this trend to diseases like obesity, diabetes, and even mental health issues. Camilla Corvalan and Phil Baker discuss policy interventions, including trade regulations, agricultural subsidies, and marketing restrictions, advocating for mandatory actions over self-regulation. They stress the need to address socioeconomic inequalities and promote sustainable food systems to counter the UPF industry's influence.