Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health hosted a media briefing to examine the health implications of seed oils and ultra-processed foods, topics that are generating increased public attention. Seed oils, such as canola, soybean, and sunflower, are a major source of essential fatty acids in diets worldwide and are often the subject of conflicting information. Ultra-processed foods account for more than half of daily calories consumed in the U.S., but have been linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions.
Matti Marklund, PhD, MSE, is an assistant professor in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Julia Wolfson, PhD, MPP, is an associate professor in the departments of International Health and Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Time stamps:
0:00 Introduction
01:00 Seed oils and health
03:10 Ultra-processed food consumption
07:30 Why seed oils have become controversial
08:40 Tracking food insecurity
11:10 Dietary guidelines
13:00 Seed oils and high temperatures
13:55 Comparing seed oils
15:07 Using tallow and butter instead of seed oils
15:55 Barriers to reducing use of ultra-processed foods
19:32 How to inform about seed oils
20:50 Sodas with sugar or artificial sweeteners
22:20 Misunderstandings about ultra-processed foods
24:50 What should doctors advise regarding seed oils
25:30 Reusing seed oils
27:10 Final thoughts on seed oils
27:40 Final thoughts on ultra-processed foods
Resources:
Matti Marklund
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/4054/matti-marklund
Julia Wolfson
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/4077/julia-wolfson
Ultra-Processed Foods Account for More than Half of Calories Consumed at Home
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/ultraprocessed-foods-account-for-more-than-half-of-calories-consumed-at-home
Influence vs. Evidence: The Science Supporting Seed Oils
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/the-evidence-behind-seed-oils-health-effects
Ultra-Processed Foods
fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/ultra-processed-foods
Fats and Your Food: Striking a Heart-Smart Balance
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/fats-and-your-food-striking-a-heart-smart-balance
https://publichealth.jhu.edu
instagram.com/JohnsHopkinsSPH
facebook.com/JohnsHopkinsSPH
twitter.com/johnshopkinssph
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health hosted a media briefing to examine the health implications of seed oils and ultra-processed foods, topics that are generating increased public attention. Seed oils, such as canola, soybean, and sunflower, are a major source of essential fatty acids in diets worldwide and are often the subject of conflicting information. Ultra-processed foods account for more than half of daily calories consumed in the U.S., but have been linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions.
Matti Marklund, PhD, MSE, is an assistant professor in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Julia Wolfson, PhD, MPP, is an associate professor in the departments of International Health and Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Time stamps:
0:00 Introduction
01:00 Seed oils and health
03:10 Ultra-processed food consumption
07:30 Why seed oils have become controversial
08:40 Tracking food insecurity
11:10 Dietary guidelines
13:00 Seed oils and high temperatures
13:55 Comparing seed oils
15:07 Using tallow and butter instead of seed oils
15:55 Barriers to reducing use of ultra-processed foods
19:32 How to inform about seed oils
20:50 Sodas with sugar or artificial sweeteners
22:20 Misunderstandings about ultra-processed foods
24:50 What should doctors advise regarding seed oils
25:30 Reusing seed oils
27:10 Final thoughts on seed oils
27:40 Final thoughts on ultra-processed foods
Resources:
Matti Marklund
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/4054/matti-marklund
Julia Wolfson
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/4077/julia-wolfson
Ultra-Processed Foods Account for More than Half of Calories Consumed at Home
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/ultraprocessed-foods-account-for-more-than-half-of-calories-consumed-at-home
Influence vs. Evidence: The Science Supporting Seed Oils
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/the-evidence-behind-seed-oils-health-effects
Ultra-Processed Foods
fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/ultra-processed-foods
Fats and Your Food: Striking a Heart-Smart Balance
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/fats-and-your-food-striking-a-heart-smart-balance
https://publichealth.jhu.edu
instagram.com/JohnsHopkinsSPH
facebook.com/JohnsHopkinsSPH
twitter.com/johnshopkinssph
