Are Ultra-Processed Foods Actually Bad for You? The Science Is Messier Than You Think

In today’s episode of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, we’re kicking off Part One of our ultra-processed foods deep dive to separate the science from wellness culture fearmongering. We unpack the research linking ultra-processed foods to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions, what the evidence actually says about food additives and gut health, and whether processing itself is really the problem. Plus, we explore the NOVA classification system, why not all ultra-processed foods are created equal, and what clinical trials reveal about their impact on calorie intake and weight gain. And stay tuned for Part Two, where we’ll investigate why certain ultra-processed foods may make us eat more, from texture and eating speed to digestion and calorie absorption.

Here’s a run down of what we discussed in today’s episode:

• What Actually Counts as an Ultra-Processed Food?

• The Problem With the NOVA Classification System

• Do Ultra-Processed Foods Really Cause Chronic Disease?

• Why Not All Ultra-Processed Foods Are Created Equal

• Are Food Additives Really Harmful to Your Health?

• Do Emulsifiers and Preservatives Damage Your Gut?

• The Study That Changed Everything About Ultra-Processed Foods

• Why Ultra-Processed Foods Can Make You Eat 500 More Calories

• Can a Healthy Ultra-Processed Diet Still Lead to Weight Loss?

• The Verdict: Are Ultra-Processed Foods Actually Bad for You?

👩🏼‍💻 RESEARCH LINKS:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10899807/

• https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/46/7/1335/148548/Ultra-Processed-Food-Consumption-and-Risk-of-Type

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1542356525006986

• https://researchprofiles.ku.dk/en/publications/carrageenan-and-insulin-resistance-in-humans-a-randomised-double-/

• https://drc.bmj.com/content/9/1/e002336

• https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(19)30248-7

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40760353/

#ultraprocessedfoods #processedfoods #foodadditives #guthealth #weightgain #nutrition #dietitian

—

DISCLAIMER:The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider.

If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go toeatingdisorderhope.com.

—

📚 GRAB MY BOOK: The Hunger Crushing Combo Method ⤵️

Learn how to reach your healthiest weight without dieting using evidence based nutrition strategies.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0306836793?tag=hacboogrosit-20

More purchase options: https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/hunger-crushing-combo/

🎙 LISTEN TO BITE BACK WITH ABBEY SHARP ⤵️

Real conversations about nutrition, wellness, diet culture, parenting, and the biggest food debates.

https://lnk.to/Bite-Back?utm_source=hoobe&utm_medium=social

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Follow Bite Back on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you're enjoying the show, leaving a rating or review really helps support it!

✉️ SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER

https://abbeyskitchen.myflodesk.com/kd6ijl0y3e

🥞 FREE Hunger Crushing Combo™ E-Book

https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/hunger-crushing-combo/

💪 FREE Protein 101 Guide

https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/protein-intake-recommendations/

📖 MY FIRST COOKBOOK: The Mindful Glow Cookbook

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2nev0lf

👩🏼‍💻 COACHING:

🍽️ Feeding Kids Without Diet Culture Webinar

Raise confident eaters without food battles, guilt, or diet culture.

https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/coaching/

📈 Business Coaching

Build and grow your online brand with proven social media and business strategies.

https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/coaching/

🤝 Personalized One-on-One Coaching

Tailored support for content creation, business growth, podcasting, AI, brand partnerships, and more.

https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/coaching/

📱 FOLLOW ME @AbbeysKitchen

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/AbbeysKitchen

• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/AbbeysKitchen

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/AbbeysKitchen

• Pinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/AbbeysKitchen

🌐 VISIT MY WEBSITE

Healthy recipes, nutrition resources, parenting advice, and evidence based articles.

https://www.abbeyskitchen.com

💬 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below with your thoughts and let me know what you'd like to see next!

With Science & Sass,

Xoxo Abbey 🌸

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices