Processed Food: The Silent Threat

Are you constantly seeing ads for sweets, too?

How often do you see an advertisement for the latest soft drink or the crunchiest snack in a single day? Very often, right? Our children and teenagers are right in the middle of this food advertising deluge. A brand-new report from the children's aid organization UNICEF now shows how omnipresent so-called ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are in the daily lives of our kids—and this is not sweet news.

What's Really in the Package

What exactly are these UPFs? Imagine a mixture of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and a whole lot of additives—from flavorings to colorants. Manufacturers have a clear goal: these products should be instantly delicious and addictive, encouraging children to keep reaching for them. This is working alarmingly well. Globally, children are often exposed to these products in their first years of life. And for teenagers? 60 percent consume at least one sweet product every day! In many industrialized nations, over 50 percent of daily calories come from these convenience products.

A Double Blow to Health

The problem is twofold: UPFs are calorie bombs that promote obesity. It’s no coincidence that the rate of overweight children has doubled since the year 2000. At the same time, they lead to malnutrition because they provide few vitamins or minerals, instead pushing real foods off the plate. Too much sugar stresses the metabolism and increases the risk of diabetes. Too much salt burdens kidneys and blood pressure. The sad truth is: many children are simultaneously overweight and malnourished. Furthermore, studies show potential links to serious issues like depression and learning difficulties.

What Needs to Happen Now

UNICEF emphasizes: The blame doesn't lie with hard-working parents, but with the system. Aggressive marketing floods schools and sports facilities. The long-term costs for healthcare systems are massive. What can help? Comprehensive advertising bans, clear warning labels on the front of packaging, and a consistent ban on UPFs in schools. It's about creating a healthier environment for our children so they can make healthy choices.