Ultra-processed foods are accelerating India’s nutrition transition, driving obesity and NCDs while deepening the double burden of malnutrition

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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory conditions, account for nearly three-quarters of global mortality and pose a significant threat to health systems and economic development. Among the key modifiable risk factors, unhealthy diets have emerged as a central driver, with growing evidence implicating ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as a major contributor to the rising NCD burden.

UPFs are industrial formulations typically made using refined food substances, additives, and preservatives, with minimal or no whole-food content. These products are generally high in saturated fats, free sugars, and sodium, while being low in dietary fibre, protein, and essential micronutrients. The global rise in UPF consumption is closely linked to the nutrition transition, a shift from traditional, minimally processed diets toward energy-dense, convenience-oriented foods. This transition is driven by urbanisation, income growth, globalisation of food systems, aggressive marketing, and changing lifestyles. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) — including India — this transition has occurred rapidly, often without parallel regulatory safeguards, exacerbating the double burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition coexists with diet-related NCDs.

Among the key modifiable risk factors, unhealthy diets have emerged as a central driver, with growing evidence implicating ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as a major contributor to the rising NCD burden.
India provides a compelling case study of the health consequences of dietary transition. According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), dietary risks are among the leading contributors to NCD-related mortality in the country, particularly CVDs and diabetes. Cardiovascular diseases alone accounted for over a quarter of total deaths in India in 2016, while premature deaths from NCDs doubled between 1990 and 2019. National surveys further demonstrate a sharp rise in overweight and obesity across both urban and rural populations. Between 2005–06 and 2019–20, adult overweight and obesity increased by more than 10 percentage points, with worrying trends also observed among children and adolescents. Early onset of obesity substantially increases the lifetime risk of diabetes and CVDs. Dietary pattern analyses in India consistently show that diets high in sweets, salty snacks, and refined carbohydrates are associated with a higher risk of type-2 diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders. These dietary shifts closely mirror increased availability, affordability, and marketing of UPFs.
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Ultra-processed foods have emerged as a central driver of the global NCD epidemic, with converging evidence from epidemiology, clinical trials, and food systems research linking their dominance in modern diets to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. Addressing the UPF-NCD nexus requires a comprehensive food-systems response that combines stringent regulation, fiscal measures, consumer education, effective use of advertising and marketing, and industry accountability. Ensuring the procurement of healthy foods and beverages within processed-food guidelines by the government is necessary to establish a uniform procurement process across diverse institutions, including hospitals, schools, government offices, and universities. Reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods and promoting minimally processed, nutrient-rich diets is not only a public health imperative but also essential for achieving sustainable development and long-term population health.

AI Overview
Eating ultra-processed food can make you prone to 32 ...
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like biscuits, chips, sugary drinks, and instant noodles are a growing concern in Pakistan, especially in urban areas, fueling rising obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, with government initiatives proposing taxes and trans-fat bans to curb consumption, though affordability and access remain challenges for low-income families. Consumption is increasing due to urbanization and convenience, but biscuits and sweetened drinks are leading UPF sources, prompting calls for stronger food policies to address the public health threat.
Common UPFs in Pakistan
Biscuits & Packaged Snacks: A very common source of UPFs, often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
Sweetened Beverages: Soft drinks and juices contribute significantly to sugar intake.
Instant Noodles & Processed Breads: Budget-friendly options, especially for lower-income families.
Processed Meats & Sugary Snacks: Also contribute to the rising UPF intake.
Why Consumption is Rising
Urbanization: Increased availability and exposure to convenience foods.
Time Constraints: Busy lifestyles lead to reliance on quick, processed options.
Affordability/Accessibility: Budget-friendly UPFs become substitutes for fresh foods, though high-income groups also access premium UPFs.
Globalization: Western eating habits influence choices, particularly among youth.
Health Impacts
Major contributor to Pakistan's crisis of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
High in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats, altering nutrient content and increasing health risks.
Policy Responses
Trans-Fat Ban: Pakistan adopted a national standard in 2025 to eliminate industrially produced trans-fats (iTFAs) by limiting them to less than 2% of total fat.
Proposed Health Taxes: The Ministry of Health has proposed a 20% health tax on UPFs and beverages to discourage consumption and fund healthcare.
Challenges
Affordability: Taxes may disproportionately affect low-income families who rely on these affordable options.
Industry Obstruction: Food producers often resist health-focused reforms.