Professor Barry Smith, who used to work with major food manufacturers such as Kellogg’s, Coca-Cola, and Ferrero, has revealed his unintentional weight loss after cutting ultra-processed foods (UPFs) from his diet. The director of the University of London Institute of Philosophy told Business Insider that a staggering 40% of his diet consisted of UPFs while working with these companies.
Ultra-processed foods are concocted from ingredients not typically found in home kitchens, including preservatives, flavour-enhancers, thickening agents, and altered fats and sugars. These products range from cakes, sweets, and oven chips to processed meats, cereals, and fizzy drinks.
In 2020, Professor Smith made a conscious decision to reduce his intake of UPFs due to health concerns. He remarked: “I was consciously cutting out ultra-processed food because of the bad things it might do for my health. And then found the effects were so desirable.”
The consumption of UPFs has been associated with various health issues, primarily due to their synthetic components.
Not only did Professor Smith experience increased vitality and sustained satiety, but he also noticed a reduction in his weight following the elimination of UPFs from his meals. He observed: “You find yourself resorting to quite natural intake regulation where you don’t overeat.”, reports Wales Online.
Professor Smith, an expert in sensory stimulation, raised the alarm that Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) are crafted to lure you into overeating them, insinuating that weight gain is not solely due to elevated fat and sugar content, but excessive consumption as well. He expressed concern, stating: “They’re foods that we want and can’t seem to stop wanting.”
These food items are deliberately engineered to be irresistible, boasting exceptional amounts of fat, sugar, and specific proteins that trigger cravings. Their composition enhances their physical appeal, flavour, texture, and aroma, enticing us to consume even when they ‘aren’t food’.
Smith asserted further that fundamental dietary staples like canned beans and pulses could contain ultra-processed ingredients such as preservatives and thickeners. His advice to consumers is to diligently scrutinise labels on food products and opt for organic options whenever possible.
