In Focus by The Hindu Does too much ultra-processed food affect mental health?
Mar 4, 2026
Dr. Arun Gupta, paediatrician and public health advocate who led Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest, explores links between ultra-processed foods and mental health. He discusses research connecting UPFs to worsening young people’s mental wellbeing. He explains possible biological mechanisms, rising UPF consumption in India, and evolving policy moves like front-of-pack warnings and taxation.
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Ultra-Processed Foods Linked To Young Adult Mental Decline
- Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is linked to worsening mental health, especially in 18–34 year olds.
- A global Mind Health report across 85 countries found rising UPF use correlated with lower mental health quotients in young adults.
How UPFs May Harm The Brain Through The Gut
- Mechanisms proposed include gut microbiome disruption and systemic inflammation from additives, colours and flavours.
- These changes can affect gut–brain connections and contribute to depression and frailty according to studies and reviews cited by Arun Gupta.
India Needs Calorie Share Data For UPFs
- India lacks detailed individual-level studies on UPF dietary share by calories, which matters for health risk.
- Household surveys suggest rising UPF markets and ~10% household spending on processed foods, but precise percentage of diet from UPFs is unknown.