Spike in ultra-processed foods linked to India’s growing chronic disease burden: Lancet

India is experiencing the fastest increase in sales and consumption of ultra-processed food products (UPFs), mirroring global patterns outlined in a new three-paper series published in The Lancet on Wednesday.

The series, authored by 43 global experts, argues that UPFs are steadily replacing traditional meals, worsening diet quality and contributing to a growing burden of chronic diseases.

The papers emphasise that while further research on UPFs is valuable, it should not delay “immediate and decisive public health action” to curb UPF consumption.

The authors note that improving diets cannot rely on individual choices alone and call for coordinated policies to reduce UPF production, marketing and availability.

UPFs generally refer to industrial formulations high in added sugar, fat, salt and cosmetic additives such as emulsifiers, stabilisers, flavours and colourants. They are increasingly visible across Indian markets. They include packaged snacks, instant noodles, biscuits, sugary drinks, reconstituted meat products, mass-produced breads, breakfast cereals and ready-to-eat meals.

India is witnessing a rapid dietary shift. Retail sales of UPFs in India surged from about Rs 7,966 crore in 2006 to nearly Rs 3.3 lakh crore in 2019.

During the same period, obesity prevalence doubled in both men and women. Current national estimates show that 1 in 4 Indians (28.6 per cent) lives with obesity, 1 in 10 with diabetes and 1 in 3 with abdominal obesity. Childhood obesity also increased from 2.1 per cent to 3.4 per cent between 2016 and 2019-21.

Dr Arun Gupta, one of the co-authors, said, “India is witnessing the same shift the Lancet Series warns about. The traditional meals are being fast replaced by hyper-palatable industrial UPF products via aggressive marketing and advertisement campaigns. Yet India does not have exact data on UPF consumption.”

He added that India must act immediately to cut the consumption of UPFs to aim for a halt in obesity and diabetes in coming years.

Adding to this, Dr Vandana Prasad, Community Paediatrician and Technical Adviser at the Public Health Resource Society (PHRS) said, “This study removes any room for delay.”

He added, “For years, whenever we raised concerns about ultra-processed foods, we were told ‘where is the evidence?’ But now the evidence is clear and comprehensive. UPF consumption in India is rising rapidly, but still at a stage where strong regulations can make a real difference. This is not just about individual behaviour, it’s about transforming the entire food system to protect the health of our children and our country.”

The series highlights that the health risks linked to UPFs extend beyond their nutrient profile. It argues that the industrial processes used, including fractioning whole foods, chemical modification, extrusion and the addition of industrial-use-only ingredients, alter food structures in ways that negatively affect metabolism, immunity and long-term health.

UPF consumption is associated with a higher risk of obesity, Type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression and premature death, the study shows.

Prof Srinath Reddy, Chancellor of PHFI University of Public Health Sciences, noted, “The Lancet Series highlights the danger to human health posed by the denaturing production processes of ultra-processed foods and their worldwide marketing.”

He said these foods contribute to “diminished immunity, aggravated inflammation, a cluster of life-threatening chronic diseases and an unprecedented rise in overweight and obesity.”

He added that India needs strong regulatory measures on production, marketing and disclosure of food constituents, including front-of-pack warning labels.

“UPF are advertised addictions. A ban on their advertising and sponsorship is needed,” Dr Reddy said.

Experts argue that India’s current regulations on HFSS (high fat, sugar and salt) food marketing are weak and full of loopholes.

The Economic Survey 2024-25 also flagged the need for stronger regulation of food labelling and advertising, noting that voluntary self-regulation has not worked.

The Lancet series warn that corporate influence remains a major challenge. Global and Indian UPF manufacturers use marketing, lobbying and scientific framing to delay or weaken regulations. Public health experts caution that “multi-stakeholder consultations” during policy development may dilute health protections if dominated by industry voices.

The authors suggested legally defining UPFs and HFSS foods, banning UPF advertisements during peak viewing hours, mandating front-of-pack warning labels, restricting UPFs in schools and public institutions, and establishing conflict-of-interest safeguards for policymaking.

They also recommended routine national monitoring of UPF consumption through surveys such as National Family Health Survey (NFHS).