As the federal government’s dietary guidelines for Americans are being reviewed, health experts are considering potential warnings or limits on ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed foods have been linked to weight gain, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, among other chronic diseases.
The review comes after a landmark study led by the National Institutes of Health’s nutrition expert, Kevin Hall, found that diets high in ultra-processed foods led to increased calorie intake and weight gain compared to diets that did not include ultra-processed foods. This has raised concerns among health experts, who are now considering including warnings or limits on ultra-processed foods in the 2025 dietary guidelines.
Deirdre K. Tobias, a member of the guidelines advisory committee, stated that the study’s findings suggest that ultra-processed foods promote higher “passive intake” of calories beyond what our bodies need, and that epidemiological studies linking ultra-processed foods to a higher risk of many diseases are “compelling.”
However, the food industry has pushed back against the potential warnings or limits, arguing that there is no exact or established definition of what counts as “ultra-processed.” The industry has also raised concerns about the inclusion of popular products, such as Lunchables and frozen dinners, in the ultra-processed food category.
Of particular concern is the inclusion of ultra-processed foods in the National School Lunch Program, which serves 30 million participating schools. Despite the potential health risks associated with these foods, the program currently allows the inclusion of products such as Domino’s pizza, Lunchables, and Cheez-Its.
The federal dietary guidance is updated every five years, and the expert advisory committee is expected to issue a scientific report next year ahead of the 2025 guidelines. As health experts continue to review the impact of ultra-processed foods on health, the potential inclusion of warnings or limits in the upcoming dietary guidelines could have significant implications for Americans’ diets and overall health.