'I lost weight after quitting one thing and didn't even mean to'

Professor Barry Smith, who used to work in the ultra-processed food industry with significant manufacturers such as Kellogg's and Coca-Cola, revealed that he unintentionally shed weight when he stopped consuming factory-made foods. Prof Smith, now the director of the University of London Institute of Philosophy, disclosed to Business Insider that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) accounted for 40% of his diet during his time collaborating with these corporations.

UPFs are factory-made foods comprised of constituents unlikely found in household kitchens - preservatives, flavour enhancers, processed fats, sugars, and thickening agents all come under this category. They span across an extensive range from baked goods and confectionery to pre-packaged meats, cereal products, oven chips, and carbonated drinks.

The professor started reducing his UPF intake in 2020. Speaking of his decision, Professor Smith stated, "I was consciously cutting out ultra-processed food because of the bad things it might do for my health. And then found the effects were so desirable."

Due to their artificial ingredients content, UPFs have increasingly been associated with numerous potential health risks. Professor Smith reported improved energy levels, prolonged feelings of satiety, and weight loss after discontinuation of UPFs.

He concluded: "You find yourself resorting to quite natural intake regulation where you don't overeat.", reports Wales Online.

Professor Smith, a connoisseur in sensory stimulation, pointed out that UPFs are cleverly designed to make you want to keep eating them. It's not just the high fat and sugar content leading to weight gain but also due to consumption beyond what's necessary.

He explained: "They're foods that we want and can't seem to stop wanting."

These food items are engineered to be tantalising to the taste buds - containing high amounts of fat and sugar, as well as certain proteins inducing cravings. They're chemically manipulated to feel pleasurable to eat, look delicious, smell delectable which makes us eat them despite them not being healthy meals.

Even everyday canned goods such as beans or lentils could still harbour ultra-processed components like thickening agents and preservatives, cautioned Professor Smith. He advises everyone to thoroughly check food labels and opt for organic when feasible.