David Fairlamb THE FIT FACTOR

THE modern diet relies heavily on fast food, snacks, and sugary treats. Studies show that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) now make up more than half of people's energy intake in the UK, among the highest rates in Europe.

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Alarmingly, UPFs have been increasingly linked to poor health outcomes, including a heightened risk of obesity, heart disease, and cancer. Now, scientists also believe there's a strong connection between high UPF consumption and an increased risk of early death.

What are ultra-processed foods?

While there's no strict definition, UPFs typically include sweets, sugary drinks, biscuits, ice cream, and crisps. Everyday items like breakfast cereals and mass-produced bread also fall into this category. These foods are often high in saturated fats, salt, sugar, and contain additives such as preservatives, emulsifiers, and artificial colours and flavours, ingredients rarely used in home cooking.