Published Paper Details:

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become increasingly prevalent in diets worldwide, raising serious public health concerns. UPFs are characterized by high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, sodium, and synthetic additives, and their intake has been linked to a heightened risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Global consumption of UPFs has risen dramatically in the past few decades, now accounting for roughly half of daily caloric intake in some high-income populations. These foods are engineered for hyper-palatability and convenience but often lack essential nutrients, contributing to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiome disruptions that underlie their association with NCDs. This review summarizes evidence from the past 15 years on UPF consumption trends (globally and in India), the health and nutritional impacts of UPFs, and the mechanisms by which they exacerbate NCD risk. Socio-economic and behavioral drivers of UPF consumption - including urbanization, affordability, convenience, and aggressive marketing - are also examined. Conclusions: UPF intake is strongly correlated with adverse health outcomes and represents an urgent challenge for public health. Reducing UPF consumption will require multi-sectoral strategies, from policy interventions (e.g. improved food labelling, marketing regulations) to public education and improved access to minimally processed foods. The paper also outlines key areas for future research to inform evidence-based policies and interventions on this critical issue.