Experts warn of rising child health risks linked to ultra-processed diets
- FHS Communications
As the saying goes, “You are what you eat”. Simple as the message seems, what it actually means is that the food we eat shapes our entire being, including our health, appearance, mental well-being, and thoughts. Although the concept may appeal philosophically, it is backed by science.
The recent sub-Saharan launch of the Lancet series on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), hosted the SAMRC/WITS Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science PRICELESS SA at the Wits School of Public Health on 25th February, brought together researchers, policymakers and health advocates to confront a growing public health challenge. At the event, speakers emphasised that UPFs are increasingly displacing traditional diets globally and across the region, with serious implications for child and adult health.
UPFs are primarily responsible for the increase in non-communicable diseases. In his opening remarks, the Head of School, Professor Tobias Chirwa, says this body of knowledge will especially contribute to child health, also noting, “The launch comes at a time when obesity and NCDs are on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Caption: Professor Tobias Chirwa giving opening remarks at the launch.
Published by The Lancet, the series is a landmark collection of global evidence on the health, economic, and societal impact of UPFs, as well as the substantial policy implications thereof. Founding Director of PRICELESS SA, Professor Karen Hofman, co-authored the third paper“Towards unified global action on ultra-processed foods” in the series. It explores how commercial interests and corporate power promote unhealthy diets, and what the appropriate public health response should be to counter this agenda.
Sasha Stevenson, the facilitator and Executive Director of SECTION27, noted that UPFs are designed to be addictive and have been found to have the same markers as nicotine and other addictive substances, and that they impact children the most. She added that voluntary industry actions “simply do not cut it when it comes to controlling the health impacts”.
Caption: Sasha Stevenson 
Professor Carlos Monteiro, lead author of the first paper in the series and Emeritus Professor of Nutrition and Public Health at the University of São Paulo, explained that UPFs are “formulations of cheap food substances and additives with little or no whole food”. He highlighted evidence showing their links to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, he says studies show that avoiding UPFs and following dietary guidelines leads to reduced energy intake and doubled weight loss.
Professor Amos Laar of the University of Ghana, also a co-author of the third paper, highlighted the African experience within the global evolution of food. He described how aggressive marketing, pricing and retail transformation have moved UPFs from occasional treats to daily staples. “We observe a convergence of underweight and obesity in children across West Africa,” he said, warning that the region is at a pivotal transition point. He argues that changing consumers’ choices toward healthier foods won’t happen ‘out of the blue’. He explains, “We need a bundle of policies that inform and empower consumers, guide and incentivise healthier choices, and restrict the marketing power of harmful products.”
Speakers agreed that stronger regulation, clear front-of-pack labelling and protection from predatory marketing are essential to safeguard public health and to support access to minimally processed food.
With children being targeted early in their lives through aggressive marketing, Dr Joan Matji, UNICEF’s Global Director of Child Nutrition and Development, says that they are uniquely vulnerable. “Childhood and adolescence are periods of rapid growth during which poor quality diet can have profound consequences,” she said. She highlighted corporates are investing in digital marketing that targets children with personalised adverts, often beyond parental view. She is calling for stricter and more comprehensive marketing restrictive measures across schools, the media and front of pack food labelling, to protect children from industry influence.
A recorded message from South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Mathume Joseph “Joe” Phaahla affirmed government priorities. He pointed to salt reduction targets, transfat restrictions, the sugary drinks levy, and work underway to mandate front-of-pack labelling and restrict marketing to children. “Addressing ultra-processed foods is an evolving policy agenda requiring sustained political will, stronger governance and alignment across sectors,” he said, emphasising the need to strengthen public food procurement and support access to minimally processed, culturally appropriate foods.
Caption: Delegates engaging in Q&A session with the key speakers
Throughout the discussion, delegates emphasised that policies must both curb the political and marketing power of transnational companies and actively support the production, availability and affordability of healthy food.