In recent years, the number of individuals classified as overweight or obese has rapidly increased worldwide. In Europe, the figure stands at 60%.¹ One of the multiple contributors to this phenomenon is the growing availability of processed food items.

The food processing industry started to grow in the 1980s, with globalization and the development of new technologies. Food processing companies took the opportunity to expand internationally and innovate to the point where many products are now termed “ultra-processed.” However, the majority of these products pose significant health concerns: despite high caloric content, they are low in essential nutrients such as fibre, proteins and various micronutrients. They are typically high in saturated and trans fats which makes them extremely tasty, even addictive. But are these processed foods (sometimes promoted as “good” sources of energy) contributing to unhealthy eating habits and increasing our risk of obesity? We – and many others – think they are!

Recent studies show the correlation between ultra-processed product consumption and obesity prevalence. A study across fourteen countries in the Americas revealed a significant association between obesity prevalence and per capita sales of ultra-processed products. In the same study, when authors took age into account, they found that prevalence of obesity among adults has been on the rise since the 1970s. Half of this rise occurred in twenty-two years between 1980 and 2002 and another half occurred in the seventeen years between 2002 and 2019.² This disturbing escalation correlates with the growing consumption of processed foods with no regulating market rules. However, by 2016, Latin American countries started regulations such as the front-of-pack labelling system known as the “High in…” warning labels on products that exceeded nutrient thresholds.³ Some companies decided to reformulate their products (by reducing sodium or sugar content, for example) in order to avoid the “High in …” labels. However, many popular products with “High in …” labels started to appear in stores and consumers have progressively become more aware of the relationship between health and food. This and environmental reasons are leading to a transformation of consumer preferences. The result is seen in the rise of companies, for example, specializing in plant-based products which are regarded as healthy for humans and the planet. Choices like plant-based milk have challenged traditional processed foods by providing nutritious alternatives. Environmental reasons are also leading to a transformation of consumer preferences. The plant-based movement has grown so much that the global plant-based food market is estimated to be valued at USD 9.4 billion in 2022 and it is projected to reach USD 16.3 billion by 2027.⁴

In conclusion, there seems to be a strong link between the rise of processed foods and global obesity rates. Companies have excelled in preserving and distributing food, yet while some formulate addictive products with low nutritional value, others prioritize health and sustainability. It remains unclear whether obesity will decrease as a result of altering food formulations only. Suggested solutions require efforts in areas such as product regulations, economic growth, consumer education and the promotion of healthier dietary choices. Ultimately our beliefs and worldviews are surely crucial to address the global obesity challenge.

Sofia Cortina is in her final semester of Nutrition and Health Sciences at the Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City (where she was Diana Salgado’s student). She is doing her study placement at Hospital Centro Medico ABC.

Diana Salgado is a Research Fellow in Food Safety Risk Assessment at the University of Surrey, UK. Her current research involves food sustainability and allergy in novel proteins.