Scientists Call for Strict Regulations on Ultra-Processed Foods, Warn of Health Risks Comparable to Smoking

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):** Scientists from **Harvard, Duke University, and the University of Michigan** have called for stringent regulations on ultra-processed foods, warning that their health risks are comparable to smoking.

The recent study revealed that ultra-processed foods are intentionally designed to be highly palatable and addictive, encouraging repeated consumption, much like tobacco products. Researchers urged governments and public health authorities to implement strict policies to mitigate the negative health impacts of these foods.

Evidence from **50 countries** links excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods to obesity, metabolic disorders, brain changes, and serious diseases such as Parkinson’s. According to the study, in the United States, one person dies every four minutes from preventable illnesses directly associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Experts emphasized that without immediate action, public health problems related to these foods could worsen. They recommended clear health warnings, advertising restrictions, and strict regulations, similar to those imposed on tobacco.

The researchers also highlighted that both the ultra-processed food and tobacco industries use similar strategies to evade regulations and make their products more appealing, which collectively compromises human biological systems.