Unhealthy and unsustainable diet and syndemic: the role of ultra-processed foods

The global syndemic is an issue that is gaining notoriety in the world. The syndemic is understood as the interaction between obesity, malnutrition and climate change, that is, synergy of epidemics and complex situations, which coexist in time and place and their consequences for health. However, little is known about the relationship between the global syndemic and the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF). In this context, the present essay aims to reflect on the relationship established between the global syndemic and the consumption of UPA. Starting with obesity, it is known that excessive consumption of UPA is one of the main causes of this chronic non-communicable disease. However, there is also a direct relationship between malnutrition and the consumption of UPA, since people who are in a situation of food insecurity choose economically accessible foods, characterizing themselves as a double burden of malnutrition. While studies on sustainable diets advance, knowledge about the association between climate change and UPA consumption is still incipient. Although studies highlight its environmental impacts in the handling and consumption of meat, in addition to the use of pesticides, it may play a secondary role. In this sense, studies are needed that evaluate the consumption of UPA and its relationship with the global syndemic, to support the formulation of public policies aimed at improving the consumption of healthy and sustainable foods for the planet.