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The Lancet Series on Ultra-processed foods and Human Health was published in November 2025 addressing the global public health challenge due to increasing consumption of ultra processed food products (UPFs). Following its global launch in London and Brazil, it is coming to India on January 2026. The series of 3 papers, produced by 43 authors from various countries, presents robust evidence on how ultra-processed foods have displaced and degraded diet worldwide, contributing to increases in obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. It also proposes a global public policy agenda based on regulating advertising, labeling, taxation, and expanding access to healthy foods.Read more

Executive summary

This 3-paper Series reviews the evidence about the increase in ultra-processed foods in diets globally and highlights the association with many non-communicable diseases. This rise in ultra-processed foods is driven by powerful global corporations who employ sophisticated political tactics to protect and maximise profits. Education and relying on behaviour change by individuals is insufficient. Deteriorating diets are an urgent public health threat that requires coordinated policies and advocacy to regulate and reduce ultra-processed foods and improve access to fresh and minimally processed foods. The Series provides a different vision for the food system with emphasis on local food producers, preserving cultural foods transitions and economic benefits for communities.

Resource Materials:

• Editorial- Ultra-processed foods: time to put health before profit 

• Position Paper-Consensus Statement on Front‑of‑Pack Nutrition Warning Labels on the High Fat, Sugar & Salt Food/Drink Products in India

• The Unseen Dangers of Ultra-Processed Food 

• Big Food Decides What You Eat -Date: 11 January, 2026 (Times of India) 

• Lancet infographic - UPF - Social

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The Lancet Series

Ultra-processed foods and human health: the main thesis and the evidence
Carlos A MonteiroMaria LC LouzadaEuridice Steele-MartinezGeoffrey CannonGiovanna C AndradePhillip Bakeret al.

Policies to halt and reverse the rise in ultra-processed food production, marketing, and consumption
Gyorgy ScrinisBarry M PopkinCamila CorvalanAna Clara DuranMarion NestleMark Lawrenceet al.

Towards unified global action on ultra-processed foods: understanding commercial determinants, countering corporate power, and mobilising a public health response
Phillip BakerScott SlaterMariel WhiteBenjamin WoodAlejandra ContrerasCamila Corvalánet al.

The Lancet Series on Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health: Comms key messages

Comments

• Protecting children from ultra-processed foods Joan N MatjiMauro Brero

• Global action on ultra-processed foods: a health, equity, and sustainability imperative Luz Maria De-RegilJason MontezLina MahyFabio da Silva GomesKatrin EngelhardtKaia Engesveenet al.