BBC doctor advises people to stay away from certain foods to 'avoid 60 per cent of diseases'

Charlotte Smith & Georgia Burns
·3-min read
Doctor on GMB
-Credit: (Image: ITV)


A BBC doctor is encouraging people to stop eating ultra processed foods - eliminating them completely from their diets. Dr Chris Van Tulleken claims they aren't 'genuine food' items and can be linked to 60% of diet-related illnesses that can lead to death.

The expert claims these foods cause diseases such as heart disease, various cancers, inflammatory bowl disease, depression, hypertension and fatty liver disease, as well as unhealthy blood fat levels, irritable bowl syndrome, dementia and frailty.

Dr Van Tulleken, a specialist in infectious diseases and a prominent science presenter for the BBC, shared insights on the Diary of a CEO podcast with host Steven Bartlett. He emphasised the importance of staying clear of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), whilst describing them as 'industrially manufactured substances' that can trigger inflammation in the body.

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The Mirror reported that Dr Van Tulleken pointed out that the typical diet for a person nowadays contains 80% UPFs. Highlighting that a large amount of these foods are designed to be highly addictive, more so than nicotine.

Healthy food
The health expert says poor diet now surpasses tobacco as the leading cause of early death worldwide -Credit:Getty Images

He says that research shows a poor diet has now overtaken tobacco as a primary contributor to early deaths around the world.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are common kitchen staples like bread, cookies, desserts, dairy items, cereal and sauces.

According to a health expert: "If it comes in plastic packaging and contains at least one ingredient that you wouldn't typically use in your own cooking, it's considered a UPF."

Dr van Tulleken revealed some concerning statistics in his conversation with Bartlett. He noted that a staggering 75% of the world's calories are sourced from just six large food companies.

He added: "In the UK, 80% of calories for one in five people come from ultra-processed foods. Children's lifespans are affected, being 9cm shorter compared to other countries."

The expert claimed that a diet of 80% ultra-processed foods can lead to significant weight gain, as well as contributing to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.

Although Dr van Tulleken stated that poverty plays a significant role in unhealthy eating habits, he adds that by tackling poverty, we could resolve about 60% of health problems and diseases linked to diet.

Dr van Tulleken highlights those traditional diets found in regions like East Asia, South Asia, and the Arctic are linked to better health outcomes.

One example is the Mediterranean diet, which incorporates moderate portions of lean proteins, including fish and chicken, along with low-fat dairy products. In this diet, olive oil is preferred over other oils and fats.

Research indicates that this diet, may help reduce inflammation, therefor decreasing the likelihood of certain health issues.

Additionally, research from 2022 points to the Mediterranean diet having a low Dietary Inflammatory Index.

A statement on Harvard Health's website reads: "The Mediterranean diet is ranked high among doctors and dieticians, and for good reason. Studies show it protects against diseases linked to inflammation, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. And, because it includes a variety of foods, the Mediterranean diet is relatively easy to follow and stick with."

What benefits could a Mediterranean diet provide?

  • Weight loss

  • Reduced risk of having a heart attack or stroke

  • Diabetes

  • Lower risk of developing certain cancers

  • Reduced blood pressure

  • Lower risk of developing dementia

  • Better balance of good gut bacteria, which can lead to better digestion

  • Improved mood and mental health

  • Better sleep

What a Mediterranean diet meal plan looks like:

Breakfast – a healthy smoothie made with pineapple, orange and spinach, paired with a bowl of Greek yogurt with berries, nuts and honey.

Lunch - leafy green salad with tuna and beans or a chickpea and quinoa grain bowl.

Dinner – pan fried salmon and vegetables or a vegetable lasagna.

Snacks – fresh fruit, nuts, hummus with fresh vegetables and grain crackers.

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