A commentary report from Perspectives has interpreted results from multiple studies on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their link to obesity and other diseases. The industrial production of food processing has been hypothesized to lead to harmful products, even if the food has a healthy nutritional profile, given the alteration of its natural structure and the addition of ingredients and additives. The authors of the report note that UPFs are commonly characterized by their high calorie density and high amounts of salt and sugar, while being low in protein and fiber, which are unhealthy characteristics of food independent of processing level.
