Ultra-processed food: from first tastes to lifelong habits - The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health : Shared by Tom McDermott

Ultra-processed food: from first tastes to lifelong habits

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health

November 18, 2025

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Summary

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become ubiquitous in global diets, with UNICEF's 2025 Child Nutrition Report showing 60% of adolescents globally and more than 50% of children aged 6-23 months in 13 of 20 low-income and middle-income countries surveyed consumed a sweet beverage or food in the previous day. In some high-income countries, 

UPFs now account for at least half of total energy intake among adolescents. According to a new Lancet Series, diets high in UPFs are linked to overeating, poor nutritional quality, and exposure to harmful chemicals and additives. 

UPF consumption has been associated with cardiometabolic risk markers including increased bodyweight, fat mass, waist circumference, and blood lipid abnormalities in children. 

The Lancet editorial calls for governments to restrict UPF marketing, availability, and affordability through coordinated global response, including banning UPF marketing to all children younger than 19 years and restricting UPFs in school meals. A key regulatory gap exists for baby and toddler foods, many of which are ultra-processed with high sugar content despite being marketed as natural and healthy. The editorial notes that 2025 marks the turning point where obesity prevalence among 5-19 year olds surpassed underweight (9.4% vs 9.2%) for the first time globally.

Quotes

"Navigating the current food environment—dominated by the economic power and political influence of transnational corporations—is an uphill battle for individual consumers."

"2025 marks the turning point where the prevalence of obesity among 5–19 year olds surpassed underweight (9·4% vs 9·2%) for the first time globally."

"We cannot allow commercial interests and profits to dominate children's diets—from first tastes to lifelong habits—at the expense of their health and wellbeing."