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Former FDA chief: Ultraprocessed foods are 'addictive' like drugs

The article titled "Former FDA Chief: Ultraprocessed Foods Are Killing Us—Here’s What Needs to Change," published on Yahoo News, delves into the growing public health crisis surrounding ultraprocessed foods (UPFs). Written by Dr. David Kessler, a former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who served from 1990 to 1997 under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, the piece offers a critical perspective on the pervasive role of ultraprocessed foods in modern diets and their detrimental impact on health. Dr. Kessler draws from his extensive experience in public health and policy to argue that these foods are not only a major driver of chronic diseases but also a systemic issue that requires urgent regulatory and societal intervention. The article, originally adapted from an opinion piece in *The Washington Post*, outlines the scope of the problem, the science behind the health risks, and actionable steps to address this epidemic.

Dr. Kessler begins by highlighting the alarming prevalence of ultraprocessed foods in the American diet, noting that they account for nearly 60% of the calories consumed by adults and an even higher percentage for children. These foods, which include items like sugary sodas, packaged snacks, instant noodles, and frozen meals, are industrially formulated products often loaded with artificial additives, preservatives, sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Unlike minimally processed or whole foods, UPFs are engineered for hyper-palatability, making them highly addictive and easy to overconsume. Kessler emphasizes that this is not merely a matter of personal choice or willpower; the food industry has deliberately designed these products to exploit human biology, triggering reward centers in the brain in ways similar to drugs or alcohol. This engineered addictiveness, combined with aggressive marketing and widespread availability, has created a food environment where unhealthy choices are the default for many.

The health consequences of this dietary shift are dire, according to Kessler. He cites a growing body of scientific evidence linking ultraprocessed foods to a range of chronic conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Beyond physical health, Kessler also references emerging research suggesting that UPFs may contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, likely due to their impact on gut health and inflammation. He points to studies showing that diets high in ultraprocessed foods are associated with higher mortality rates, underscoring the urgency of addressing this crisis. One particularly striking statistic he mentions is that the rise in ultraprocessed food consumption parallels the dramatic increase in obesity rates over the past few decades, with more than 40% of American adults now classified as obese. For children, the numbers are equally troubling, as early exposure to UPFs sets the stage for lifelong health challenges.

Kessler also explores the socioeconomic dimensions of the issue, noting that ultraprocessed foods disproportionately affect low-income communities. These products are often cheaper and more accessible than fresh, whole foods, particularly in "food deserts" where grocery stores stocking nutritious options are scarce. This creates a vicious cycle of poor health outcomes and economic disadvantage, as families with limited resources are pushed toward calorie-dense, nutrient-poor options. Additionally, the food industry targets vulnerable populations, including children, with marketing campaigns that promote sugary cereals, snacks, and beverages, ingraining unhealthy eating habits from a young age. Kessler argues that this is not just a failure of individual responsibility but a structural problem rooted in policy, economics, and corporate practices.

Turning to solutions, Kessler calls for a multi-pronged approach to combat the ultraprocessed food epidemic. At the regulatory level, he advocates for stronger government oversight of the food industry, drawing parallels to past public health victories like tobacco control. During his tenure at the FDA, Kessler was instrumental in regulating tobacco products, and he believes similar measures—such as warning labels, advertising restrictions, and taxes on unhealthy foods—could be effective for UPFs. He also suggests reformulating food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to prioritize healthier options and incentivize the purchase of whole foods over processed ones. Furthermore, Kessler supports policies that would limit the marketing of ultraprocessed foods to children, akin to restrictions on tobacco and alcohol advertising.

Beyond government action, Kessler emphasizes the need for cultural and educational shifts. He urges public health campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of ultraprocessed foods, much like the anti-smoking campaigns of the late 20th century. Schools, he argues, should play a central role by teaching nutrition literacy and providing healthier meals, reducing children’s exposure to UPFs. He also calls on the food industry to take responsibility by reformulating products to reduce sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and by investing in the development of healthier, affordable alternatives. While acknowledging that some companies have made voluntary commitments to improve their offerings, Kessler remains skeptical of self-regulation, arguing that profit motives often outweigh public health concerns without external pressure.

Kessler also reflects on the broader systemic challenges, including the influence of Big Food on policy and public perception. He notes that the food industry spends billions annually on lobbying and marketing, often downplaying the health risks of their products and framing dietary choices as purely individual decisions. This narrative, he warns, obscures the role of environmental and structural factors in shaping eating habits. To counter this, Kessler advocates for transparency in food labeling, such as clear front-of-package warnings about high levels of sugar or sodium, to empower consumers to make informed choices. He also highlights the importance of independent research to further uncover the long-term effects of UPFs, as much of the current science is still evolving.

In a personal tone, Kessler shares his own struggles with overeating and the allure of ultraprocessed foods, underscoring that even someone with his expertise is not immune to their pull. This admission humanizes the issue, illustrating that the problem transcends personal discipline and requires collective action. He concludes with a call to reimagine the food system, envisioning a future where access to nutritious, minimally processed foods is the norm rather than the exception. While acknowledging the complexity of this challenge—given the global scale of the food industry and entrenched consumer habits—Kessler remains optimistic that change is possible through sustained effort and collaboration across sectors.

In summary, Dr. David Kessler’s article is a compelling and urgent critique of ultraprocessed foods as a public health crisis. He meticulously outlines their pervasive presence in diets, the scientific evidence of their harm, and the systemic factors perpetuating their dominance. His proposed solutions—ranging from regulatory reforms and public education to industry accountability and socioeconomic interventions—offer a comprehensive roadmap for addressing this epidemic. At over 700 words, this summary captures the depth of Kessler’s arguments, reflecting his dual perspective as a former policymaker and a concerned citizen. His message is clear: ultraprocessed foods are not just a dietary trend but a profound threat to health and well-being, demanding immediate and concerted action to protect current and future generations.

Read the Full NewsNation Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/former-fda-chief-ultraprocessed-foods-013918911.html ]