Doctor warns that one type of food is 'worse than smoking' for early death

Doctor warns that one type of food is 'worse than smoking' for early deathDr Chris van Tulleken, BBC science presenter and author of Ultra-Processed People, shared alarming findings about diets high in ultra-processed foods on the Diary of a CEO podcastNewsSophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer and Emma Mackenzie Features Writer15:00, 04 Apr 2026Updated 15:01, 04 Apr 2026View ImageDr Chris van Tulleken has issued a warning about UPFs(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)A doctor has revealed that one particular food could prove deadlier than cigarettes. Dr Chris van Tulleken shared his alarming findings on the popular Diary of a CEO podcast with host Steven Bartlett - and it's something most of us are likely consuming daily.‌The doctor, who specialises in infectious diseases and presents science programmes for the BBC, has a twin brother, Dr Xand van Tulleken, who is also a well-known BBC presenter, appearing on shows such as BBC Morning Live.‌Discussing his book Ultra-Processed People, Dr Chris explained: "For a very long time, we have been incredibly confused about what to eat.‌"We've called the foods that harm us junk food and processed food - high fat, salt and sugar food. We've not had a way of labeling food even as a pandemic of disease taken over the world."READ MORE: What do astronauts eat in space? Artemis 2 menu and living conditions explainedREAD MORE: 'I tried hot cross buns from Sainsbury's, M&S and Tesco and one weird flavour floored me'This is not merely a problem affecting poorer nations, but Britain as well. The doctor said: "This is particularly true in low income countries and particularly true with low income people living in the UK."So poor diet, which means a diet high and ultra processed foods (UPF), has overtaken tobacco as a leading cause of early death on planet Earth for humans, for the animals we farm and for wild animals."‌This is "because ultra-processed food...