Study Reveals How Junk Food Is Engineered To Increase Consumption

A study from the University of Auckland has found that manufacturers of ultra-processed foods, commonly referred to as junk food, specifically design and market their products to encourage people to consume increasing quantities of them.

The research indicates that these products are engineered in ways that drive continued selection and consumption, even when individuals are aware that the foods are unhealthy.

Led by Dr. Joshua Clark, the study involved a comprehensive review of international research spanning ten years. The goal was to create detailed diagrams that illustrate how these foods are formulated and promoted to the public.

To develop these diagrams, the research team utilized group discussions and repeated revisions. The process culminated in a two-day workshop featuring experts in systems research, marketing, and food science.

Mechanisms of Consumption

The findings, published in Obesity Reviews, identify the presence of reinforcing feedback loops that stimulate both the purchasing and the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

What we found were several reinforcing feedback loops, which all drive consumption and purchasing

Dr. Joshua Clark

According to Dr. Clark, the intersection of human behavior and biology is central to this system, which helps explain why large populations become dependent on these types of food.

Our biology and our behaviour are at the centre of this system, which goes some way to explaining why, as populations, we are pretty hooked on these foods.

Dr. Joshua Clark

Dr. Clark noted that the manufacturers of these products are very clever in their approach because the resulting increase in consumption generates higher profits for the companies.

Public Health Implications

The prevalence of ultra-processed foods is significant in developed nations. Researchers state It’s likely that people in New Zealand consume half of their diet from ultra-processed sources, a trend that aligns with other developed countries.

This high level of consumption is linked to severe health outcomes. A recent global report published in the Lancet found that ultra-processed foods are contributing to an increase in the rates of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other long-term illnesses.

Potential Regulatory Responses

Dr. Clark suggested that New Zealand has various options to address the health threats posed by these foods, noting that the country does not need to be a trailblazer but can instead follow successful models already implemented elsewhere.

The study points to several regulatory strategies that have been adopted in other countries, including:

• The implementation of taxes on sugary drinks and foods.
• Regulations that restrict advertising targeted at children.
• The use of strong labeling programs on the front of packaging.
• Policies regarding lobbying transparency to ensure a fair political environment.

Dr. Clark specifically highlighted the leadership and work coming out of Latin America as a viable example for New Zealand to follow in managing the impact of ultra-processed foods on public health.