Metabolical: The truth about processed food and how it poisons people and the planet

Metabolical: The truth about processed food and how it poisons people and the planet by Dr Robert Lustig examines the rise of ultra-processed food and its impact on health. It is presented as a hard-hitting exposé in the tradition of his New York Times bestseller Fat Chance.

Key details

• Written by Dr Robert Lustig
• Discusses ultra-processed food and how it is made from ingredients derived from other foods
• References data stating that 62% of food in supermarkets is processed or ultra-processed
• Links processed food consumption with increases in major non-communicable diseases
• Sets out a plan focused on returning to unprocessed, “real” food

Synopsis

Drawing on data about the prevalence of processed and ultra-processed products in supermarkets, Dr Robert Lustig argues that long-term reliance on these foods is harming health. He describes ultra-processed food as products created by combining ingredients from other foods to make something “new”, sometimes using colours that do not exist in nature.

In an exposé that points to the influence of the food industry, big agriculture, big pharma, institutional medicine and government, Lustig connects processed food addiction with rising rates of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, cancer and dementia. He challenges the idea that such chronic conditions are simply part of “natural ageing”, and proposes a personal and societal shift back to unprocessed food, outlining a practical plan to support health and wellbeing, including improved immunity to viruses such as Covid-19.