In Focus by The Hindu

Author: The Hindu

A podcast from The Hindu that delves deep into current developments with subject experts, and brings in context, history, perspective and analysis.
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en

Genres: News, News Commentary

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

Does too much ultra-processed food affect mental health?
Wednesday, 4 March, 2026

We all know by now that ultraprocessed food is bad for our health. Consumption of a lot of it, has been linked to a number of health issues including hypertension, diabetes and obesity. But did you know that researchers are now finding links between ultraprocessed food and mental health? This is especially concerning considering the huge burden of mental health issues among young people in India and the gaps in access to care. The government is beginning to take note: the Supreme Court has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or FSSAI to consider warning labels on the front of packaged foods and the Economic Survey this year called for high GSTs on processed foods. So what is the connection between UPFs and mental health? And why, despite all of the evidence, has India still not managed to put in place stringent warning labels for consumers? Guest: Dr. Arun Gupta, paediatrician, public health expert, and convenor of the Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest. He is also a former member of the PM’s Council on India’s Nutritional Challenges Host: Zubeda Hamid Producer: Jude Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices