Ep. 171: Ultra-Processed People with Dr. Chris van Tulleken
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“If you’re eating something that came wrapped in plastic and contains even one ingredient that wouldn’t be found in most household kitchens, it is most likely ultra-processed food,” writes today’s guest, Dr. Chris van Tulleken (above, right). He’s an Oxford-educated infectious diseases doctor, with a Ph.D. in molecular virology, as well as a BBC television personality. His latest book, an international bestseller, is Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can’t Stop Eating Food That Isn’t Food. He says that North Americans get 50-60% of their calories from ultra-processed food.
So how is ultra-processed food affecting our bodies and our brains? How is it really bad for us, and how can you optimize your wellness in an ultra-processed world? Medcan director of food and nutrition Leslie Beck, RD, (above, left) answers these questions and more in her conversation with Dr. Chris van Tulleken.
LINKS
Want to learn more about nutrition and ultra-processed foods? Book a consultation with a Medcan dietitian by emailing bookingteam@medcan.com.
Follow Dr. Chris van Tulleken and Leslie Beck on Twitter.
Check out Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can’t Stop Eating Food That Isn’t Food, on Indigo and Amazon.
Dr. Chris van Tulleken says he’s a big fan of former Eat Move Think guest Mark Schatzker, who spoke with Eat host Leslie Beck in episode 92. Mark’s book, The Dorito Effect, which Chris van Tulleken mentions in this episode, is available on Indigo and Amazon.
Read the World Health Organization’s newly released guideline, advising not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control.
Read about some of the research mentioned in Ultra-Processed People:
Clara M. Davis and the wisdom of letting children choose their own diets.
Association Between Childhood Consumption of Ultraprocessed Food and Adiposity Trajectories in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children Birth Cohort in JAMA Pediatrics.
Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food I in Cell Metabolism.
Health effects of dietary risks in 195 countries, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 in The Lancet.
INSIGHTS
Who is Dr. Chris van Tulleken, and why did he want to write a book about ultra-processed food? [3:11]
What is ultra-processed food? Hear the definition that stopped Dr. van Tulleken from wanting to eat it again. [5:08]
Learn the surprising facts about the “healthy” foods in your kitchen that are actually ultra-processed. [7:56]
Ultra-processed foods often contain gums, artificial sweeteners and modified starches. What exactly are these additives, and why are they bad for us? [10:47]
What are the health risks of eating lots of ultra-processed food on a regular basis? [12:34]
We know ultra-processed foods are linked to obesity. What is it about them that is causing so many people to become overweight? [15:02]
Ultra-processed food wasn’t engineered to feed you more effectively—it was engineered to make businesses as much money as possible. [17:12]
What can governments and scientists do to change our excessive ultra-processed food intake? [21:14]
Dr. van Tulleken explains how he avoids eating ultra-processed foods as much as possible, while making sure he and his kids aren’t perceived as “weirdos.” [27:54]
Dr. van Tulleken was shocked to learn that getting 80% of his calories from ultra-processed foods had caused “robust changes” in the wiring of his brain—in just one month. [31:28]
*LEGAL
This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs.
The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments.
Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.