Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Ultraprocessed foods have long been a staple in American diets, but new research is renewing concerns about their impact on health. A recent study in The Lancet links UPF's to harm major organ systems.
“We’ve known for some time with developing research that ultraprocessed foods are connected with poor health outcomes,” Dr. Chris Damman, a UW Medicine gastroenterologist said. “And that collection of research has been growing over the last 10 years.”
While other countries use scoring systems to warn consumers about ultra processed products, the U.S. has yet to adopt a similar standard. Damman encourages practical choices, favoring whole foods, scanning ingredient lists, and using tools like his Smart Bites App.
Ultraprocessed foods have long been a staple in American diets, but new research is renewing concerns about their impact on health. A recent study in The Lancet links UPF's to harm major organ systems.
“We’ve known for some time with developing research that ultraprocessed foods are connected with poor health outcomes,” Dr. Chris Damman, a UW Medicine gastroenterologist said. “And that collection of research has been growing over the last 10 years.”
While other countries use scoring systems to warn consumers about ultra processed products, the U.S. has yet to adopt a similar standard. Damman encourages practical choices, favoring whole foods, scanning ingredient lists, and using tools like his Smart Bites App.
