Ep. 48 - Ultra-Processed Foods: The Silent Driver of Obesity & Chronic Disease

Ultra-processed foods now make up more than 70% of the American diet and emerging research shows they may be one of the most powerful, yet overlooked, drivers of obesity, metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and chronic disease. But why are these foods so harmful? And more importantly… how can you break free from them? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon take you inside the science of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to reveal how they impact your hormones, hunger signals, brain chemistry, gut microbiome, and long-term health. From engineered hyper-palatable snacks to "healthy" foods that quietly sabotage metabolic function, we break down what UPFs really are and how they're subtly shaping the modern health crisis. You'll learn: What truly qualifies as an ultra-processed food (and why most people underestimate it) The landmark NIH study showing UPFs drive overeating even when calories are matched How additives, emulsifiers, and seed oils disrupt gut health, hormones, and satiety Why UPFs increase risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, depression, and cancer The industry's "bliss point" and how foods are engineered to keep you craving more How to identify UPFs quickly and build a whole-food lifestyle without feeling deprived Simple swaps and strategies Jeffery and Dr. Prickett use in their own daily lives This episode combines medical expertise with real-world experience to help you understand how modern food environments hijack biology and what you can do to protect your health. Whether you're looking to lose weight, improve energy, reduce inflammation, or rethink your family's nutrition, this conversation will give you the tools to take back control of your plate… and your long-term wellness.