How ultra-processed foods impact the body episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 15, 2026 · 12 MIN

How ultra-processed foods impact the body

from What in the World · host BBC World Service

Ultra-processed food - things like biscuits and crisps - are making up more and more of our diets globally. In the US and the UK, ultra-processed food actually make up half the calories we eat. New research is calling for more action to reduce this intake because of its potential threat to our health. But what is ultra-processed food and how does it impact the body? We’re joined by the BBC health reporter Annabel Rackham and Priscila Machado, a nutritionist from Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition in Australia, to talk through everything we need to know. We discuss what ultra-processed food is, what it contains, how to spot it, and if we need to worry about eating it. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Ultra-processed food - things like biscuits and crisps - are making up more and more of our diets globally. In the US and the UK, ultra-processed food actually make up half the calories we eat. New research is calling for more action to reduce this intake because of its potential threat to our health. But what is ultra-processed food and how does it impact the body? We’re joined by the BBC health reporter Annabel Rackham and Priscila Machado, a nutritionist from Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition in Australia, to talk through everything we need to know. We discuss what ultra-processed food is, what it contains, how to spot it, and if we need to worry about eating it. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

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How ultra-processed foods impact the body

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This episode was published on January 15, 2026.

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Ultra-processed food - things like biscuits and crisps - are making up more and more of our diets globally. In the US and the UK, ultra-processed food actually make up half the calories we eat. New research is calling for more action to reduce this...

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