Australian researchers target ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks

A new research programme will examine policies aimed at reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks in Australia, as obesity and diet-related chronic diseases place increasing pressure on the health system.

The five-year programme, funded by a National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grant, will generate evidence to inform policy decisions regarding the widespread availability and marketing of such foods and beverages, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.

Two in three Australian adults are overweight or obese, while ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks account for 42 per cent of Australians’ diets, the statement said.

“Many of these products are designed, marketed and packaged in ways that encourage overconsumption,” said Professor Caroline Miller, director of the research institute’s health policy centre, adding that the current food environment makes it difficult for people to make properly informed choices, underscoring the need for policies that support healthier options.

One of the programme’s key focuses is evaluating the effectiveness of front-of-pack warning labels in reducing consumption of high-sugar products, which could help people “better understand what they are consuming and encourage healthier choices,” Miller said.

The programme will also provide up-to-date data on Australians’ consumption patterns and public views on possible policies that could be implemented, including labelling, regulation and other interventions, the researchers said, adding that they will work closely with policymakers to ensure the research findings can be translated into practical, evidence-based recommendations.