Ultra-processed foods are becoming a dominant part of diets worldwide. New research links them to worsening health outcomes in different countries. Excessive consumption of these foods is associated with a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, depression and other chronic diseases. Meta-studies have analysed data from more than 10 million people and found that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of premature mortality by up to 21% and heart disease by up to 66%. The harmful effects cannot be explained only by the high sugar, salt and fat content, but also by the industrial processing process itself and the presence of chemicals from packaging and machinery. Scientists point out that the human body is not biologically adapted to eating these foods. Bold and coordinated policy measures are needed to mitigate the health risks.