EXCLUSIVE: Good Morning Britain star Dr Hilary Jones has opened up about the importance of paying attention to our diets today in order to look after our health in the future
Dr Hilary Jones has issued a warning regarding the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The TV doctor, known for appearances on shows including Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, is encouraging Brits to reduce their reliance on UPFs now to help to improve their health in the future.
According to a study by Gousto, 60 per cent of Brits are unaware of the long-term impacts that these foods can have. In turn, by 2055 it’s projected that excessive consumption of UPFs and a lack of fresh, nutritious ingredients could see an increase in type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, and intra-abdominal fat as well as anxiety and depression.
“There’s a lot of momentum building now after several decades of us relying more on ultra processed foods, and I think it’s becoming clearer and clearer with every bit of evidence that’s published,” Dr Hilary told OK!.
“We now know that the average person is consuming 60% of their calories from ultra-processed foods. I think people are thinking, wow, that’s far too much, and, of course, it coincides with obesity rates and all the things that come with obesity, like heart disease and diabetes.”
While UPFs may be enticing thanks to their convenience, as well as their appealing taste, it’s important that we know the implications that excessive intake could have on our bodies in the future. “One of the most comprehensive meta-analyses that has been published recently was in the British Medical Journal in February. It looked at studies that included over 10 million people when you put it all together, and it described 32 adverse health conditions, which included an increase in all causes of mortality – so increased death rates from everything,” Dr Hilary revealed.
“But also increased risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, adverse sleep, adverse anxiety, asthma, hypertension, Crohn’s disease, unspecific colitis, metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and high blood sugars. We need to take stock of what we’re consuming.”
As a result, while it may be tempting to reach for snacks that are high in saturated fat and sugar, opting for something that’s healthy and convenient isn’t as hard as it may seem. “Instead of reaching for a biscuit, cake or a chocolate bar for elevenses, why not go for something healthy like an apple, celery sticks or carrot sticks? Why not swap out the unhealthy things for something much healthier, which fills you up and is high in fiber, which releases energy slowly but healthily,” he explained.
“We don’t eat enough fiber in our western diet. We should be taking on board about 30g a day. The average is about 20, so a third less than it should be. It’s about understanding what’s in the food and making healthy choices.”