According to a new report published in the journal Milbank Quarterly, ultra-processed foods (UPF) have more in common with cigarettes than with fruits or vegetables. Scientists from Harvard, Michigan, and Duke Universities argue that these products are specifically engineered to be addictive and should be regulated as strictly as tobacco.
The researchers point out that the production process for ultra-processed foods (such as soft drinks, chips, sweets, and ready-to-eat meals) closely mirrors that of cigarettes. Manufacturers optimize substance “doses” to act as quickly as possible on the part of the brain responsible for the sensation of pleasure.
The study’s authors also warn the public about so-called “health washing.” Labels like “low-fat” or “sugar-free” are often marketing ploys reminiscent of cigarette filter advertisements in the 1950s; back then, filters were marketed as a “protective innovation,” while in reality, they offered no health benefits.
Ultra-processed food is dangerous due to its high levels of salt, sugar, saturated fats, and artificial emulsifiers. These factors have a scientifically proven link to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, these products negatively impact the balance of the gut microbiota, thereby weakening the body’s immune barrier and increasing the risk of chronic inflammatory processes.
The scientists explain that individuals who have quit smoking often experience the same type of addiction toward products like soda and donuts. The authors of the study urge governments to shift the focus from individual responsibility to the obligations of the food industry, which includes advertising restrictions, marketing bans, and structural interventions.
