Are ultra-processed foods too tasty? Toward a metabolic framework for diet and obesity

A recent lawsuit against "hyper-palatable" ultra-processed foods has amplified controversies over its effects on obesity-related chronic disease. Addressing this public health crisis requires a new framework, centered on the metabolic effects of food.

Authors

David S. Ludwig (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3307-8544)

Institutions

Steno Diabetes Centers (DK)
Harvard University (US)
New Balance (United States) (US)

Publication Details

Journal: PLoS Medicine
Published: 2026-04-03
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1005025
Primary Topic: Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling
Type: article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 0.00

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article

Are ultra-processed foods too tasty? Toward a metabolic framework for diet and obesity

David S. Ludwig

Apr 3, 2026

PLoS Medicine

Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling

article

Are ultra-processed foods too tasty? Toward a metabolic framework for diet and obesity

David S. Ludwig

April 3, 2026article en

Abstract

PLoS MedicineVol. 23(4)

Steno Diabetes Centers (DK), Harvard University (US), New Balance (United States) (US)

Zero hunger

Openalex Percentile: Top 29%

Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling

DOI Open Access PDF OpenAlex

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Are ultra-processed foods too tasty? Toward a metabolic framework for diet and obesity — David S. Ludwig · PLoS Medicine (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS