Khaberni - A British doctor has warned that a common type of food may be more harmful to health than smoking, in statements that have sparked widespread controversy about the impact of "ultra-processed meals" on human health.
Dr. Chris van Tulleken, an infectious disease specialist and science program presenter for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), revealed that ultra-processed foods now represent a global health threat, noting that most people consume them daily without realizing their risks.
Biodiversity
During his appearance on a famous podcast, the doctor explained that this type of food, which includes products rich in fats, salt, and sugar, has become difficult to classify accurately, despite its association with numerous health problems.
He added that what is known as malnutrition resulting from excessive consumption of these foods has surpassed smoking as a leading cause of early death worldwide, noting that the problem is not limited to poor countries but extends to developed countries such as the United Kingdom, especially among the low-income population.
He pointed out that ultra-processed foods not only affect human health, but their effects also extend to the environment; they contribute to the loss of biodiversity and are among the main causes of carbon emissions and plastic pollution.
Causes addiction
He said that scientific studies over the past decade have clearly shown that excessive consumption of these foods is linked to weight gain and obesity, along with other chronic diseases, leading to early death.
He also mentioned that these foods might cause a type of addiction for some people, similar to addiction to tobacco, alcohol, or gambling, warning that imposing strict restrictions on their consumption suddenly could lead to reverse outcomes, causing some to cling to them even more.
Scientific studies referenced by the doctor have confirmed that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases and mental health disorders, as well as an increased risk of death from heart diseases.
