Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are now a major part of children’s diets — colourful packaging, cartoon characters, and convenience make them hard to resist. But what are these foods really doing to young bodies and developing brains?

In this episode, we uncover the science behind UPFs and children’s health, including:

• How ultra-processed foods affect growth, metabolism, and immune health

• Links with obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease & heart disease risk

• The impact on gut bacteria, behaviour, mood, and sleep

• Why kids become “hooked” on high-sugar, high-additive foods

• Practical tips for families to reduce UPFs without stress or guilt

• Realistic swaps for school lunches, snacks & busy evenings

Backed by evidence and expert insight, this episode empowers parents, carers, and healthcare professionals to make informed, child-focused nutrition choices — even in a world where UPFs are everywhere.

Sources:

1. Barbaresko, J., Bröder, J., Conrad, J., Szczerba, E., Lang, A. and Schlesinger, S. (2025) Ultra-processed food consumption and human health: an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 65(11), pp. 1999–2007. doi:10.1080/10408398.2024.2317877.
2. Gibney, M.J., Forde, C.G., Mullally, D. and Gibney, E.R. (2017) Ultra-processed foods in human health: a critical appraisal. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 106(—), pp. 717–24. doi:10.3945/ajcn.117.160440.
3. Levy, R.B., Barata, M.F., Leite, M.A. and Andrade, G.C. (2024) How and why ultra-processed foods harm human health. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 83(—), pp. 1–8. doi:10.1017/S0029665123003567.
4. Monteiro, C.A., Louzada, M.L.C., Steele-Martinez, E., Cannon, G., Andrade, G.C., Baker, P., Bes-Rastrollo, M., Bonaccio, M., Gearhardt, A.N., Khandpur, N., Kolby, M., Levy, R.B., Machado, P.P., Moubarac, J-C., Rezende, L.F.M., Rivera, J.A., Scrinis, G., Srour, B., Swinburn, B. and Touvier, M. (2025) Ultra-processed foods and human health: the main thesis and the evidence. The Lancet. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01565-X.

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast and on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Please don't ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on content from this podcast or website.

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