3 ms·

Banning ultra processed food is unhinged. The conventional definition of UPF isn't coherent.

hedora 2y ago
I agree legislative work to precisely define UPF is needed. However, scientists have repeatedly shown that they cause a statistically significant increase in all cause mortality. If you take the random word generator that is RFK’s mouth, then filter it with reproducible scientific studies, the result is probably actually better than what previous political appointees have produced. I’ve already expressed skepticism about the second step, where science is involved. Still, I can hope.
- brokensegue 2y ago
  there is not evidence that it is the "processing" of the UPF that is the problem. so any attempt to ban UPF is doomed.
  - hedora 2y ago
    https://www.bmj.com/content/385/bmj-2023-078476 https://www.bmj.com/content/385/bmj-2023-078476 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658669/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658669/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25804833/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25804833/ ^—- Conclusions: The consumption of ultra-processed products (i.e. foods with low nutritional value but high energy density) has increased dramatically in Sweden since 1960, which mirrors the increased prevalence of obesity. Future research should clarify the potential causal role of ultra-processed products in weight gain and obesity. So, the last one has a quantitative definition that could be used for a preliminary ban. Also, all those articles link many more. One click deep will provide a dozen concurring studies. I didn’t feel like adding more links.
    - brokensegue 2y ago
      "foods with low nutritional value but high energy density" is not the definition of UPFs that I've seen most often. The definition I most see is the NOVA classification. NOVA doesn't require a UPF food to be of low nutritional value or high energy density. Also the GOP opposed mere taxes on sugary drinks but now they want to ban UPFs? I don't believe it.
      - hedora 2y ago
        Of course. The study goes back to the 1960’s, so they can’t use classifications that didn’t exist back then. That’s why I said “preliminary” Alternatively, they could read more than three abstracts, and find a better definition. Regardless, there’s enough evidence for a ban, and also quantifiable metrics that could be used to define one. I’d expect the regulators and scientific community to do better than my proposal.

I agree legislative work to precisely define UPF is needed. However, scientists have repeatedly shown that they cause a statistically significant increase in all cause mortality. If you take the random word generator that is RFK’s mouth, then filter it with reproducible scientific studies, the result is probably actually better than what previous political appointees have produced. I’ve already expressed skepticism about the second step, where science is involved. Still, I can hope.

brokensegue 2y ago
there is not evidence that it is the "processing" of the UPF that is the problem. so any attempt to ban UPF is doomed.
- hedora 2y ago
  https://www.bmj.com/content/385/bmj-2023-078476 https://www.bmj.com/content/385/bmj-2023-078476 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658669/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658669/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25804833/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25804833/ ^—- Conclusions: The consumption of ultra-processed products (i.e. foods with low nutritional value but high energy density) has increased dramatically in Sweden since 1960, which mirrors the increased prevalence of obesity. Future research should clarify the potential causal role of ultra-processed products in weight gain and obesity. So, the last one has a quantitative definition that could be used for a preliminary ban. Also, all those articles link many more. One click deep will provide a dozen concurring studies. I didn’t feel like adding more links.
  - brokensegue 2y ago
    "foods with low nutritional value but high energy density" is not the definition of UPFs that I've seen most often. The definition I most see is the NOVA classification. NOVA doesn't require a UPF food to be of low nutritional value or high energy density. Also the GOP opposed mere taxes on sugary drinks but now they want to ban UPFs? I don't believe it.
    - hedora 2y ago
      Of course. The study goes back to the 1960’s, so they can’t use classifications that didn’t exist back then. That’s why I said “preliminary” Alternatively, they could read more than three abstracts, and find a better definition. Regardless, there’s enough evidence for a ban, and also quantifiable metrics that could be used to define one. I’d expect the regulators and scientific community to do better than my proposal.