The Omnivore's Dilemma meets Fast Food Nation from a global perspective in this game-changing look at the science, economics, and history of ultra-processed food and the industry's effect on our health and planet. It’s not you, it’s the food. How much of our daily caloric intake comes from ingesting substances that, technically speaking, do not meet traditional definitions of “food”?

Chances are, if you’re eating something that came wrapped in plastic and contains a funky ingredient you don’t have in your kitchen, it's most likely—almost definitely—ultra-processed food, or UPF. More than the principal obstacle to “eating right,” UPF has been linked to metabolic disease, depression, inflammation, anxiety, and cancer, while the production, distribution, and disposal of UPF and related products globally is known to cause devastating environmental damage. At the same time, UPF represents the dominant, nigh-unavoidable food culture for millions upon millions of eaters.

Medical doctor and broadcaster Chris van Tulleken has spent his career trying to reframe the conversation around eating right, balancing the hard (and sometimes shocking) facts about what we're putting into our bodies with empathy for the natural desire to keep eating what we like, have time for, and can afford. As he argues in this book, we are all participants in an experiment we didn't consent to, one to determine how to get us to buy as much ultra-processed food as possible. It’s not as simple as stumbling across the right diet trend, finding time to meal plan, or avoiding over-indulging in sugar, fat, or carbs or any other culprit.

Nor is it a matter of individual will. It’s about learning to live in “the third age of eating”—defined by the overwhelming abundance of ultra-processed eating options—and arming yourself with the simple and not-so-simple facts that will help you make the choices that are right for you.

In a world increasingly dominated by convenience and instant gratification, food has transformed from a basic human necessity into a commercialized commodity. "Ultra-Processed People" delves deep into the burgeoning world of ultra-processed foods, revealing why these edible substances have saturated our diets and how they're engineered to be irresistible. From sugary snacks to microwavable dinners, the book uncovers the hidden forces at play, influencing our choices and impacting our health.

With a blend of scientific scrutiny and cultural insight, it challenges readers to rethink their relationship with what they consume daily.

Explore the science behind why ultra-processed foods are addictive and hard to resist. Discover the impact of ultra-processed foods on our health and lifestyle. Gain awareness of the societal and marketing forces shaping our dietary habits.

In "Ultra-Processed People the author methodically explores the widespread infiltration of ultra-processed foods in our daily lives. These aren\'t mere food items but products meticulously crafted to appeal to our primal desires standing at the intersection of biology and marketing. The book delves into the neuroscience of consumption deciphering how additives and preservatives hijack our brain's reward systems.

This understanding illuminates why such foods are particularly tough to resist often leading to cycles of overconsumption and cravings. Highlighting historical shifts the narrative provides a vivid portrayal of how industrialization and globalization fostered the rise of these 'non-foods.' This step-by-step evolution reflects a societal shift towards convenience even at the cost of nutritional value. Armed with research and statistics the author paints a stark picture of the health implications tied to ultra-processed diets from obesity to metabolic disorders.

Readers are guided through comprehensive solutions inviting them to re-evaluate and reclaim control over what they consume.

Ultra-Processed People" captures a unique intersection of food culture and science offering a holistic view of modern dietary challenges It doesn't merely highlight problems but extends a hand toward practical understanding The book stands out for its engaging storytelling approach weaving personal anecdotes and expert interviews seamlessly into a broader narrative This makes complex scientific concepts accessible and relatable to every reader Thoroughly researched yet accessible the text empowers readers with clear insights and actionable advice challenging them to reflect on and transform their eating habits and food choices meaningfully.