{"id":179,"date":"2025-12-20T10:58:49","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T09:58:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adnacademy.yohanndeprez.fr\/?p=179"},"modified":"2026-10-06T18:39:52","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T16:39:52","slug":"aliments-ultra-transformes-un-risque-majeur-pour-la-sante","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/aliments-ultra-transformes-un-risque-majeur-pour-la-sante\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultra-processed foods: a major health risk"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In just a few years, the term <strong>ultra-processed foods<\/strong> (AUT in French), or <em>Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF)<\/em>, has moved from academic circles into the mainstream media.<br\/>In November 2025, the medical journal <em>The Lancet<\/em> devoted a series of three articles to the topic, co-authored by 43 international experts. Their conclusion was unequivocal: <strong>ultra-processed foods now represent a major public health issue<\/strong>, comparable to that of tobacco in previous decades.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an ultra-processed food?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The work published in <em>The Lancet<\/em> draws on the <strong>NOVA classification<\/strong>, which categorises foods not by their nutrient content \u2014 fat, sugar or salt \u2014 but by their <strong>degree of industrial processing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An ultra-processed food is characterised by:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p>a complex industrial formulation,<\/p><\/li><li><p>the use of substances rarely found in home cooking, such as modified starches, glucose-fructose syrups, protein isolates and hydrogenated oils,<\/p><\/li><li><p>the frequent presence of so-called \"cosmetic\" additives: colourings, flavourings, emulsifiers, sweeteners and flavour enhancers.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultra-processed foods are not limited to fast food. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p>breakfast cereals,<\/p><\/li><li><p>commercially produced biscuits and pastries,<\/p><\/li><li><p>protein or \"health\" bars,<\/p><\/li><li><p>soft drinks and diet drinks,<\/p><\/li><li><p>ready meals, frozen pizzas and nuggets,<\/p><\/li><li><p>some highly processed plant-based substitutes,<\/p><\/li><li><p>many products intended for children.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In France, these products account for around <strong>a third of calorie intake<\/strong>, and up to <strong>60% in some countries<\/strong>, such as the United States.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What do scientific studies show?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The authors in <em>The Lancet<\/em> synthesised <strong>cohort studies and meta-analyses<\/strong> involving several hundred thousand people. The results are particularly robust.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than 100 longitudinal studies show a <strong>clear association between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and poorer health<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than 30 conditions are associated with high UPF consumption, including:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p>obesity and overweight,<\/p><\/li><li><p>type 2 diabetes,<\/p><\/li><li><p>cardiovascular disease,<\/p><\/li><li><p>certain cancers,<\/p><\/li><li><p>digestive disorders,<\/p><\/li><li><p>sleep disorders,<\/p><\/li><li><p>mental health conditions,<\/p><\/li><li><p>increased all-cause mortality.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Some key figures<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p>Around <strong>15% higher mortality risk<\/strong> among the highest consumers,<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>17% higher risk of cardiovascular disease<\/strong>,<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>12% higher risk of type 2 diabetes<\/strong> for every 10% increase in UPFs in the diet.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These effects cannot be explained solely by excess calorie intake. At equivalent energy intakes, a diet rich in ultra-processed foods damages health more rapidly than one based on minimally processed foods.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are ultra-processed foods a problem?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The medical journal <em>The Lancet<\/em> highlights a crucial point: the problem goes far beyond the trio of fat, sugar and salt. Several mechanisms, which probably act together, are involved.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Changes to food structure and the food matrix<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultra-processed foods are often soft, easy to swallow and require little chewing.<br\/>Satiety is delayed, encouraging people to eat faster and in larger quantities.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Additives and contaminants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certain emulsifiers, sweeteners, flavourings or contaminants from packaging may disrupt:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p>the gut microbiota,<\/p><\/li><li><p>the intestinal barrier,<\/p><\/li><li><p>hormonal and metabolic regulation.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Hyper-palatability and design that encourages overconsumption<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UPFs are formulated to maximise sensory pleasure and the brain\u2019s reward response through a combination of fat, sugar and salt, encouraging automatic and repeated consumption.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. A constant presence in everyday life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Snacks, grazing, on-the-go products, sugary or diet drinks: ultra-processed foods now feature throughout the day and are gradually replacing simple foods such as fruit, nuts and home-cooked meals.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These products are therefore <strong>low in satiety, highly energy-dense and backed by powerful marketing<\/strong>, encouraging excessive consumption.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An individual problem\u2026 but above all a systemic one<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reducing the issue to individual responsibility is not enough. The growth of ultra-processed foods is primarily the result of an <strong>economic and industrial system<\/strong> :<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p>concentration within the food industry,<\/p><\/li><li><p>cost optimisation through ultra-processed formulations,<\/p><\/li><li><p>extensive marketing, particularly aimed at children,<\/p><\/li><li><p>a strong presence in schools, hospitals, vending machines and delivery platforms,<\/p><\/li><li><p>public health policies focused solely on nutrients, overlooking the <strong>degree of processing<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The authors compare the current situation to the early stages of tobacco control: <strong>scientific evidence is mounting, but policy responses remain limited<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does this mean in practice?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A key concept highlighted by recent studies is the <strong>metabolic memory of adipose tissue<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even after significant weight loss, adipose tissue does not fully return to its initial state.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Researchers observe lasting changes in:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p>gene expression,<\/p><\/li><li><p>chromatin organisation,<\/p><\/li><li><p>epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This biological memory could explain:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p>the tendency to regain weight after dieting,<\/p><\/li><li><p>the difficulty of maintaining weight loss in the long term,<\/p><\/li><li><p>persistent metabolic disturbances, including inflammation and insulin resistance.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These findings do not call into question the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or treatments, but help us understand <strong>why the body sometimes resists weight loss<\/strong> and why some patients need more intensive, sustained support.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The brain: orchestrating appetite and satiety<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aim is not to eliminate ultra-processed foods entirely, which is often unrealistic, but to <strong>significantly reduce their place in the diet<\/strong>, particularly when they feature at several points throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>At a societal level:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p>Explicitly include the concept of ultra-processing in dietary recommendations.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Regulate advertising and marketing, particularly when aimed at children.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Improve the affordability of fresh and minimally processed foods.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Regulate the power of major food companies and conflicts of interest.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Train healthcare professionals and inform the public.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>At an individual level:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p>Prioritise simple foods: fruit, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, eggs, plain dairy products, and minimally processed meat and fish.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Cook more often: it is frequently healthier and more economical than ready meals.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Be wary of products with a misleading health image: protein products, fitness drinks and ultra-processed foods with no added sugar.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Gradually reduce the UPFs consumed most often: soft drinks, biscuits, snacks and industrially produced pastries.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the message for healthcare professionals?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several key points emerge for healthcare professionals:<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p>Include the <strong>degree of processing<\/strong> in nutritional advice, looking beyond nutrients alone.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Understand that UPF consumption is not simply a matter of individual willpower.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Bear in mind that <strong>certain genetic profiles<\/strong> may be more vulnerable to this diet, with a greater impact on inflammation, metabolism and cardiometabolic risk.<\/p><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: a major, modifiable determinant of health<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The evidence brought together by <em>The Lancet<\/em> confirms that <strong>ultra-processed foods are a major, modifiable determinant of health<\/strong>, going well beyond simply too much fat, sugar or salt.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their impact involves both biological mechanisms \u2014 the microbiota, satiety and hormonal regulation \u2014 and a food environment designed to encourage consumption.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The response must be twofold:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><p><strong>ambitious public policies<\/strong>,<\/p><\/li><li><p>and <strong>support for individuals<\/strong> to move towards a diet centred on minimally processed foods and simple meals cooked from basic ingredients.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scientific source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/series-do\/ultra-processed-food\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">series <em>The Lancet<\/em> on ultra-processed foods.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/formations\/genetique-nutrition\/\">Explore the Genetics and Nutrition course<\/a><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>En quelques ann\u00e9es, l\u2019expression aliments ultra-transform\u00e9s (AUT), ou Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) , est pass\u00e9e des cercles acad\u00e9miques aux m\u00e9dias grand public. En novembre 2025, la revue m\u00e9dicale The Lancet a consacr\u00e9 une s\u00e9rie de trois articles \u00e0 ce sujet, co-sign\u00e9s par 43 experts internationaux. Leur constat est sans appel : les aliments ultra-transform\u00e9s repr\u00e9sentent aujourd\u2019hui un enjeu majeur de sant\u00e9 publique , comparable \u00e0 celui du tabac dans les d\u00e9cennies pr\u00e9c\u00e9dentes.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":160,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-179","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nutrition"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=179"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":194,"href":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179\/revisions\/194"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/160"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=179"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=179"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn-academy.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=179"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}