The harsh reality of ultra processed food - with Chris Van Tulleken

We’re in a new age of eating, but how is ultra processed food harming our bodies - and the world? Buy Chris’s book here: Subscribe for regular science videos: 00:00 Why we need to talk about our diets 03:40 We’re part of an experiment we didn’t sign up for 10:05 What is ultra processed food? 12:50 What Donald Trump got right about UPF 14:20 What Diet Coke does to your health 17:53 How ultra processed food is made 23:55 Why does ultra processed food cause obesity? 29:05 Doesn’t exercise burn calories? 35:37 What about willpower and diet? 38:18 What role do stress and genes play? 39:45 How does ultra processed food harm us? 47:33 How UPF affects the planet 50:41 Ultra processed food is addictive 52:25 The food system is financialised 54:28 What are the solutions? This lecture was filmed at the Ri on 19 September 2023 through the generous support of Digital Science. The industrialisation and commercialisation of food have transformed our diets, whereby most of our calories now come from an entirely novel set of substances. Ultra Processed Food (UPF) now makes up 60% of the average diet in the UK and USA. It is highly processed, highly addictive, and largely unhealthy. Join award-winning broadcaster, practising NHS doctor and leading academic Chris van Tulleken as he explores the invention of UPF and its impact on our health and weight – from altering metabolism and appetite to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and tooth decay. Chris uncovers the limitations of relying solely on exercise and willpower to combat the health risks of high UPF diets. Drawing on his own experiment of eating an 80% UPF diet for one month he provides solutions for both individuals and policymakers to challenge this unregulated industry. Chris van Tulleken is an infectious diseases doctor at UCLH and one of the UK’s leading science broadcasters. He has won two BAFTAs for his long-running CBBC series Operation Ouch, co-presented with his twin brother Xand, and hosted numerous programmes across the BBC. Following his BBC One documentary ‘What Are We Feeding Our Kids?’ and the chart-topping podcast ‘A Thorough Examination – Addicted to Food’, Chris has become the UK’s go-to expert on ultra-processed food. Chris trained at Oxford and has a PhD in molecular virology from University College London, where he is now an Associate Professor. His research focuses on how corporations affect human health, especially in the context of nutrition. -- A very special thank you to our Patreon supporters who help make these videos happen, especially: modsiw, Anton Ragin, Edward Unthank, Robert L Winer, Andy Carpenter, William Hudson Don McLaughlin, efkinel lo, Martin Paull, Ben Wynne-Simmons, Ivo Danihelka, Kevin Winoto, Jonathan Killin, Stephan Giersche, William Billy Robillard, Jeffrey Schweitzer, Frances Dunne, , Tim Karr, Alan Latteri, David Crowner, Matt Townsend, THOMAS N TAMADA, Andrew McGhee, Paul Brown, David Schick, Dave Ostler, Osian Gwyn Williams, David Lindo, Roger Baker, Rebecca Pan -- The Ri is on Twitter: and Facebook: and TikTok: @ri_science Listen to the Ri podcast: Our editorial policy: Subscribe for the latest science videos: Product links on this page may be affiliate links which means it won’t cost you any extra but we may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase through the link.