The results of an MRI scan left Dr Chris Van Tulleken in shock
Dr. Chris Van Tulleken took on a 30-day challenge to reveal the impact of ultra-processed foods on the body and brain, leaving many deeply unsettled by the results. The infectious disease specialist radically shifted his eating habits, consuming a diet where 80% of his food was ultra-processed—a level comparable to what one in five people in the UK reportedly eat daily.
The Experiment: A Bold Exploration
Dr. Van Tulleken collaborated with the BBC for the 2021 documentary What Are We Feeding Our Kids? His experiment was straightforward: he would eat whenever he felt hungry. Previously, this meant three balanced meals a day with occasional snacks, but on his ultra-processed diet, he found himself constantly craving more food.
“It sounds extreme, but it’s the diet one in five people in the UK eats,” he pointed out.
The month-long trial shed light on the severe effects of consuming high levels of saturated fat, salt, and sugar.
Startling Physical Changes
The physical consequences were stark. In just 30 days, Dr. Van Tulleken:
- Gained 14 pounds
- Increased his BMI by 2.0, pushing him into the “overweight” category
- Added 6.6 pounds of body fat
“If the weight gain continued at that rate, I’d gain six stone [84 pounds] in a year,” he noted.
Tests conducted by Professor Rachel Batterham at University College London revealed alarming changes in his hunger and fullness hormones. His hunger hormone levels surged by 30%, while the hormone responsible for signaling fullness decreased. “You’ve got a double-whammy,” Prof. Batterham explained, leaving Dr. Van Tulleken visibly stunned.
Alarming Effects on the Brain
Even more disturbing were the results of his brain scans. MRI imaging taken before and after the experiment revealed new functional connections forming in his brain.
“The scans show that my diet has linked up the reward centers of my brain with the areas that drive repetitive automatic behavior,” he explained. “Eating ultra-processed food has become something my brain tells me to do, even when I don’t want it.”
These changes mirrored patterns seen in addiction, raising serious concerns about the long-term effects of ultra-processed diets on developing brains. “Children’s brains are still maturing, making them even more susceptible to these changes,” he warned.
Public Reactions
Social media erupted with reactions to the documentary, as viewers expressed shock and alarm. “This man sacrificed his body for science,” one user wrote. “Not gonna lie, he’s successfully horrified me into cleaning up my diet.” Another commented, “The MRI results were mind-blowing. I never knew diet alone could reshape the brain.”
A Call to Reassess Our Diets
Dr. Van Tulleken’s experiment delivers an urgent message about the dangers of ultra-processed foods. Beyond their convenience lies a hidden cost to both physical and mental health. His findings have inspired many to rethink their eating habits and prioritize whole, minimally processed foods. As one viewer aptly said, “After seeing this, I’m ready to dust off my pots and pans.”