About this Research Topic

Background

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) dominate today's global food markets with their high levels of sugars, fats, and additives. This predominance correlates with severe health repercussions such as obesity, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The simple accessibility and persuasive marketing of UPFs promote their consumption, displacing nutritious whole foods. Beyond health, the production and consumption of these foods pose considerable environmental challenges. Thus, a deep dive into the comprehensive effects of UPFs is necessary to outline intervention strategies that not only enhance public health but also advocate for sustainable food systems.

This Research Topic intends to tackle the critical issues associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods and their extensive consequences on health, public policy, and environmental sustainability. It seeks to elucidate the connections between UPF consumption and chronic health issues like obesity and diabetes, aiming to refine nutrition guidelines and policy interventions. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of policy measures such as packaging labels and advertising limitations, alongside exploring public health initiatives designed to steer consumer habits towards healthier alternatives. Recognizing the environmental toll of UPFs, this research also aims to spotlight sustainable practices crucial for maintaining ecological balance and long-term health.

This Research Topic invites contributions that explore the multifaceted impact of UPFs on health effects, policy responses, public awareness campaigns, and environmental sustainability. We welcome manuscripts that address the following themes:

- Dietary Patterns and Health Outcomes: Correlations between UPF consumption and health implications.
- Policy and Regulatory Interventions: Analysis of policy effectiveness in curbing UPF intake.
- Public Awareness and Educational Programs: Effectiveness of initiatives to decrease UPF consumption.
- Environmental Impact and Sustainability: Environmental costs of UPFs and exploring sustainable solutions.

We look forward to manuscripts in forms of original research, review systematic reviews, and detailed policy analysis, which can collectively shed light on this extensive topic and propose actionable outcomes.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: ultra-processed foods, dietary patterns, health outcomes, policy interventions, public health education, sustainability

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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