In the 1980s, only a small percentage of people in England were considered obese. Fast forward to today, and that number has dramatically increased to 25%—meaning one in four adults are now dealing with obesity. Despite all our advancements in food science and nutrition, we're heavier and unhealthier than ever. This isn't just a minor issue; it's a serious problem linked to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer. The global situation isn't any better, with over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese. Learn more about the global obesity crisis.

But what's driving this obesity crisis? At wellmee, we believe one of the major culprits is ultra-processed food (UPF). These are the packaged, long-shelf-life products filled with additives that you find in almost every supermarket aisle. They’re convenient and tasty, sure, but they might be doing more harm than good. Explore more on the impact of ultra-processed foods.

What Exactly Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Let's break it down. In 2009, researchers from Brazil came up with a way to classify foods based on how much they've been altered from their original state. They called this system NOVA, and it categorizes food into four groups:

1. Unprocessed/Minimally Processed Foods: Think fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and meats. These foods are basically what you get straight from nature, with little to no modification.

2. Processed Ingredients: These are items like oils, sugar, and salt that are added to other foods to enhance flavor or preserve them.

3. Processed Foods: These combine the first two groups but involve methods you could replicate at home, like making jam, pickles, or bread.

4. Ultra-Processed Foods: Here’s where things get tricky. UPFs usually contain five or more ingredients, many of which you wouldn’t find in your kitchen—think preservatives, sweeteners, artificial colors, and flavorings. These foods are often engineered to last longer on the shelf and taste so good you can't stop eating them. Learn more about NOVA food classification.

Why Should You Care?

Ultra-processed foods might not yet be definitively proven to cause all the health issues linked to them, but the evidence is piling up. A large study highlighted in the British Medical Journal found that people who consume a lot of UPF have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even mental health issues like anxiety and depression. While researchers are still figuring out if it's the processing itself or just the high fat, sugar, and salt content of these foods causing harm, one thing is clear: it's worth being cautious. Read more on the health risks associated with UPF.

Spotting Ultra-Processed Foods in the Wild

If you're wondering how to spot a UPF, you’re not alone—sometimes even the food industry seems confused! As a rule of thumb, if a product has more than five ingredients or includes things you wouldn’t find in a home kitchen (like maltodextrin or artificial sweeteners), it's likely ultra-processed. But remember, there are always exceptions, so it's about finding what works for you and making informed choices. Here’s a handy guide on recognizing ultra-processed foods.

A Move Towards Clean Eating

At wellmee, we believe in the power of clean, whole foods. We’ve listened to what you’ve said, and we’re committed to making our products as close to nature as possible. That’s why we’ve ditched any ingredients like maltodextrin—an additive common in the food industry but far from ideal in a wellness-focused product. Our new recipes are 100% clean label, meaning they’re free from any unnecessary chemicals or additives, and packed full of nutrients your body needs. Learn about the benefits of clean eating.

Navigating the Food Landscape

The food industry has made it easy to choose convenience over nutrition, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. By educating ourselves and making small changes, like opting for minimally processed foods or simply reading labels more carefully, we can take control of our health. It’s not about perfection; it’s about making better choices that work for you and your lifestyle.

In the end, understanding what you're putting into your body is the first step towards a healthier you. And at wellmee, we're here to support you every step of the way on your wellness journey.