A recent study conducted by three leading American universities has warned that ultra-processed foods can be as harmful to health as cigarettes, calling for stringent regulations to curb their impact.
The research indicates that these foods are deliberately engineered to encourage repeated consumption and create dependency, similar to how tobacco products are designed.
Scientists are urging governments and public health agencies to introduce strict policies to mitigate the negative effects of these foods.
The study, which analyzed evidence from 50 countries, linked high consumption of ultra-processed foods to obesity, neurological changes, and metabolic disorders, including serious conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
According to the research, in the United States, one person dies every four minutes from preventable diseases directly associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Experts warn that if the use of these foods is not controlled, public health problems could worsen in the future. They recommend clear warnings, advertising restrictions, and strict legal measures, similar to regulations on cigarettes.
Scientists from Harvard, Duke University, and the University of Michigan revealed that both industries use similar strategies to avoid regulations and make their products more appealing, collectively putting the human biological system at risk.
