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Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are a significant factor in the epidemic of overweight and obesity in the U.S.

UPFs contribute to bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders.

Obesity is a major factor in developing Type 2 diabetes, which, in turn, increases depression.

"Ultra-processed foods are industrial creations made with little—if any—whole foods that often contain large amounts of added sugar and salt" (Berg, 2024). They are typically "infused with artificial colors and additives, and have ingredients added to enhance shelf life, including unhealthy fats and preservative chemicals" (Berg, 2024).

"Research has shown that diets high in ultra-processed foods are linked to more than 30 health conditions" (Berg, 2024). A systematic review of meta-analyses showed that "convincing evidence supported direct associations between greater ultra-processed food exposure and higher risks of incident cardiovascular disease-related mortality and type 2 diabetes, as well as higher risks of prevalent anxiety outcomes and combined mental disorder outcomes" (Lane, 2024).

An Eating Disorder Case Example

Sally (not her real name), a popular hairdresser, is a 20-year-old single woman. She has struggled with her weight since the third grade. She came from a poor family that lived in a food desert. Consequently, she consumed a disproportionate amount of ultra-processed foods.

Her only source of healthy food was the free lunch at her school. In high school, she became obese, with a BMI of 30. She was self-conscious about her weight and had low self-esteem.

Her mother discovered her vomiting after meals and arranged for admission to an outpatient eating disorders program in her community, where she was diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. She received enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy, met with a nutritionist, had a thorough medical evaluation by an internist, and was placed on fluoxetine........

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