Deborah Chen | Ultra-processed products and their direct link to increasing obesity rates

The allure of ready-made meals and treats is constantly calling to us. The sizzling crunch of chips, the sweet fizzy sodas and, not to mention, the beautifully packaged food in the supermarket, are carefully crafted to satisfy our taste buds. However, beneath the shiny wrappers and artificial flavours lies the recipe for obesity and other chronic illnesses.

The World Obesity Day theme – ‘Changing Systems for a Healthier Lives’ – draws global attention to the urgent need for action against the increasing obesity crisis. It is no secret that the global obesity rates have been climbing over the years, and our diets are becoming more packed with ultra-processed products (UPPs). The Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2017 reveals that approximately 38.8 per cent of men and 67.6 per cent of women are classified as overweight, with a further 14.9 per cent of men and 41.2 per cent of women classified as obese, underscoring a pressing public health challenge. Studies and reviews have also shown that there’s a clear connection between eating UPPs and the global obesity epidemic.

Ultra-processed foods are industrially formulated and undergo multiple processing steps and contain ingredients, such as preservatives, flavour enhancers, sweeteners, and emulsifiers. These foods were carefully crafted to be convenient, palatable and deliver a calorie-dense bite, without any nutritive value. Think sugary sodas, chips, frozen dinners, and those processed meat products. They’re everywhere – and with all the clever marketing behind them. It’s no wonder they’ve become such a huge part of diets around the world.

LINK BETWEEN UPPs AND OBESITY

Studies consistently show a strong link between consuming ultra-processed products (UPPs) and obesity. For example, research titled ‘Ultra-processed food consumption and obesity’ by Martí Del Moral and colleagues found that UPPs play a big role in excessive calorie intake, which often leads to weight gain and obesity. Further to this, the study found that people who eat more UPPs are more likely to gain weight over time, compared to those who eat less. The problem lies in how appealing these foods are – they’re packed with sugar and fat, making it easy to overeat and setting the stage for poor diet quality, obesity and other obesity-related diseases, namely cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 diabetes.

Ultra-processed products contribute to obesity in several ways, and it’s not just about what’s in them – it’s also about how they’re made. Nutritional epidemiologist and researcher Dr Jennifer Poti, and colleagues from the Department of Nutrition at the Carolina Population Centre, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, looked into whether the nutrient content or the processing of UPPs has a bigger role in driving obesity. The findings from their study suggest it’s a combination of both. UPPs are designed to taste so good that it’s hard to stop eating them, leading to higher calorie intake.

SOCIOCULTURAL AND BEHAVIOURAL FACTORS

It’s not just biological factors that link ultra-processed products to obesity – sociocultural and behavioural influences play a big part too. The study How Food Causes Obesity by researcher Shiqi Shen from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Human Ecology points out how modern lifestyles, with their time crunches and demanding work schedules, have made convenience foods the go-to choice for many. UPPs fit right in because they’re easy to access and have a long shelf life. But, while they save time, the effects are detrimental.

For this reason, the National School Nutrition Policy here in Jamaica should be speedily implemented. Youth organisations and advocacy groups such as the Global Health Advocacy Project (GHAP) and Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) have indicated that, although a draft version was released (with inputs from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information in 2022), the policy is still in the Green Paper stage and is awaiting final approval. Stakeholders continue to urge Cabinet for its finalisation, so that schools can start providing healthier meals and a supportive food environment. This will undoubtedly address the rising obesity and non-communicable diseases among children in Jamaica.

LONG-TERM HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

It’s not just about gaining weight – these foods are tied to serious health problems like insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. In Jamaica, UPPs have become a big part of our diet, and trans fats – a common ingredient in these foods – are a major concern. In 2019, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) endorsed the Plan of Action for the Elimination of Industrially Produced Trans-Fatty Acids (iTFAs) 2020-2025, aligning with the World Health Organization’s REPLACE initiative to eliminate iTFAs globally. However, more decisive actions are needed to meet these goals and safeguard public health.

But the impact of UPPs goes beyond physical health. Moradi’s study also shows that these foods can also take a toll on mental health. Obesity, which is often linked to UPP consumption, increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and other psychological challenges. Add to that the stigma around obesity and the emotional toll of an unhealthy diet and it’s clear how difficult it can be to break the cycle.

MITIGATING IMPACT OF UPPs ON OBESITY

When it comes to the link between ultra-processed products and obesity, the evidence is pretty strong. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to reduce their impact. Public health strategies could make a big difference – strategies such as a health levy on sugary drinks and snacks, the School Nutrition Policy, and encouraging people to eat more whole foods through education campaigns.

A local study done by PAHO, MOHW and UTech Jamaica showed the efficacy of the ‘High- In’ black octagonal warning labels. These front of package warning labels (FOPWLs) would empower Jamaicans to know what they are eating and to make more informed choices. In spite of the evidence in favour of the black octagonal FOPWL; the government of Jamaica has not been supportive of its implementation.

While personal responsibility is important; it will not have the level of impact at the population level which would be realised if we lived in an environment more conducive to making healthy choices. Health policies such as a health levy on sugary sweetened beverages, black octagonal front of package warning labels and a School Nutrition Policy would go a far way to reducing NCDs in Jamaica. These health policies would also eventually decrease the fiscal burden faced by the MOHW in treating NCDs.

The evidence is clear: ultra-processed products are a major driver of the obesity epidemic. By addressing the root causes of obesity, we can work towards a healthier future where the prevalence of obesity and related diseases is significantly reduced.

Deborah Chen is executive director of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica. Send feedback to ghapjm@gmail.com