[Comment] Global action on ultra-processed foods: a health, equity, and sustainability imperative

The global prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continues to rise, reflecting—among other factors—systemic failures in food environments and persistent inequities in access to healthy diets. In 2024, indicators of malnutrition increased, including wasting, stunting, and obesity,1 and 2·6 billion individuals were unable to afford a healthy diet.2 Foods that comprise healthy diets, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes, are becoming increasingly inaccessible for many, whereas food products currently known as ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are inexpensive and widely available globally.