The infectious diseases doctor, academic, and broadcaster Dr Chris van Tulleken discusses his bestselling book Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can’t Stop Eating Food That Isn’t Food (Alfred A. Knopf Canada, 2023), with Joseph Planta.

Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can’t Stop Eating Food That Isn’t Food by Chris van Tulleken (Alfred A. Knopf Canada, 2023). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Ultra-Processed People

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Already a #1 international bestseller, the new book by Dr. Chris van Tulleken, Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can’t Stop Eating Food That Isn’t Food, is an engaging book that might turn you off the ultra-processed food that make up more than half of a typical diet in Canada and the United States. In the book, Dr. van Tulleken who joins me now, looks at his own habits, as he embarks on a scientific, medical, culinary, and cultural journey into the systems that supply our food, how it’s processed, and how we consume it. For one month, he purposefully consumes a diet that is 80% UPF, and as part of the experiment, his health is monitored. I’ll ask him about how he felt during this time, and if he noticed any differences physically, and emotionally. I’ll ask him what he felt like after the month, and what he’s come away with in terms of his habits at home and at work when it comes to what he eats. We’ll also discuss the addictive nature of ultra processed food, and what we might do, and what we might ask policymakers to do as to how food is advertised and marketed to us. Chris van Tulleken has a medical degree from Oxford, and a PhD in molecular virology. He is an associate professor at University College London, and a practicing infectious diseases doctor. He is also a broadcaster for children and adults on BBC television and radio, and has won two BAFTAs. His Instagram and Twitter handles are @DoctorChrisVT. This new book is published by Alfred A. Knopf Canada. He joined me from his home in London, England earlier this week. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Chris van Tulleken; Dr. van Tulleken, good morning.

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