A recent study has provided significant evidence that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) alter children’s brain responses to food, consequently promoting weight gain. This research, conducted by experts from the University of Southern California and Kaiser Permanente, involved 46 healthy-weight children with an average age of 8.7 years. The findings were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

The study utilised functional MRI technology to observe how the children’s brains reacted to various food cues. It was discovered that those consuming higher amounts of UPFs—foods typically high in sugar, salt, and fat but low in nutritional value—exhibited increased activity in the dorsal striatum. This brain region is associated with habit formation and reward-seeking behaviours.

An elevated response in this area was linked to an increase in body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage over the following year. The researchers noted that when they factored in this brain response, the correlation between UPF consumption and weight gain diminished, suggesting a crucial pathway in understanding this issue.

Health Implications of Ultra-Processed Foods

The authors of the study indicated that added sugar alone does not fully account for the observed effects. Experimental research suggests that the combination of fat and carbohydrates commonly found in UPFs triggers a stronger reward response than either component does independently. This shift in focus from obesity to addiction was emphasised by Dr Arun Gupta, convenor of the Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPI).

Dr Gupta stated that UPFs are not merely contributing to obesity among children; they are fundamentally altering the way their brains respond to food. This finding is part of a growing body of research highlighting the adverse health effects associated with UPF consumption. A meta-analysis published in the BMJ involving 8.8 million adults found that UPF intake was linked to a 24 per cent increased risk of cardiovascular events, a 12 per cent higher cancer risk, and an 18 per cent rise in all-cause mortality.

Additionally, a study in BMC Medicine involving 4,000 children revealed that UPF consumption at the age of three was predictive of greater weight gain by the ages of ten to eleven. In India, the Indian Medical Council Research (ICMR)-INDIAB study indicated that one in four Indians is either diabetic, pre-diabetic, or obese, attributing 56.4 per cent of this disease burden to unhealthy diets.

Regulatory Actions and Government Response

The Supreme Court of India is currently hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by 3S and Our Health Society, which seeks mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat. In February, the court directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to consider implementing such labels.

On August 13, a bench led by Justice J B Pardiwala expressed concern over delays by the Centre and FSSAI, questioning whether the government prioritises the health of its citizens, particularly children. The bench noted the increasing addiction of children to junk food. Following this, FSSAI proposed red warning labels with a one-year voluntary compliance period, but the court has since reserved its order on this matter.

The labelling initiative is distinct from the issue of advertising, which NAPI claims the government has not addressed. The National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for Common NCDs (2017-2022) called for a ban on advertising high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods, yet the Union health ministry has yet to take action. NAPI has suggested to the Press Council of India that HFSS foods be included in the list of products banned from advertising alongside tobacco and alcohol.

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