Ultra‑processed foods and hidden calories threaten health, warn experts

Health specialists highlight that foods marketed as "healthy" can still contribute to weight gain when consumed in excess. Even natural items such as avocado, nuts, seeds, smoothies and fortified coffee add significant calories, often matching those of processed snacks, leading to fat accumulation and associated health issues.

In a separate warning, cardiologists and nutritionists argue that ultra‑processed products—industrial snacks, ready‑made meals, fast‑food items and protein bars with additives—pose a mortality risk that may now exceed that of tobacco. Studies link higher consumption of these items to increased rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic inflammation and premature death. Doctors advise a shift back to minimally processed, Mediterranean‑style diets rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains to mitigate these risks.