Dr. Sarah Louison, a prominent public health advocate, has sounded the alarm on the rise of ultra-processed foods in the diets of young people, warning that these highly processed meals are putting a generation’s health at risk.
In a recent talk on youth nutrition, Dr. Louison pointed to the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods in schools and local stores, explaining that the convenience and low cost of these products are overshadowed by their long-term impact on health.
Dr. Louison’s findings reveal that the high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in ultra-processed foods contribute to skyrocketing rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses among young people. “We’re seeing children as young as ten struggling with conditions once limited to adults,” she stated, underscoring the gravity of the problem. She stressed that these products, designed for long shelf life and mass appeal, often lack essential nutrients and foster poor eating habits from a young age.
During her presentation, Dr. Louison urged policymakers to prioritize nutrition education and implement stronger food regulations to limit the provision of ultra-processed items in schools. She suggested that schools should provide healthier options, supporting families in making more nutritious choices. Her calls for reform resonated with community members, many of whom expressed concerns about the lack of fresh, wholesome meals available to their children.
The talk coincided with National Youth Wellness Day, a day dedicated to promoting healthy habits and addressing health disparities among young people.
Advocacy Action: Working with others to achieve an advocacy objective can be both fun and very effective! Are there similar issues around school meals, or meals in any institutionalized setting such as a prison, or care home, for example? Can you identify a friend or friends who could help you raise this issue, and even mount a local campaign?