A prominent television doctor has delivered a powerful message to millions: if you find yourself constantly reaching for snacks, it is not your fault.
The Blame Lies with a Powerful Industry
Appearing on Channel 4's programme Live Well with the Drug-Free Doctor, Dr Rangan Chatterjee urged viewers to "fight back" against the temptation of unhealthy foods. He reassured those struggling that they are far from alone, explaining that the environment is stacked against them.
"I don't think Chris' food addiction was his fault. And if you struggle to regulate your eating, I don't think it is your fault either," Dr Chatterjee stated. He highlighted the staggering volume of low-quality, high-calorie food marketed every time people leave their homes, driven by a global ultra-processed food industry worth an estimated $1.9 trillion.
A Simple Rule to Regain Control
To combat this, Dr Chatterjee offered a straightforward piece of dietary advice: "Only eat foods your grandmother would recognise." This means choosing minimally processed foods in their natural form as much as possible.
This approach, he says, helps keep blood sugar stable and prevents the overeating driven by ultra-processed products. He directly linked these foods to serious health outcomes, noting they are connected to an estimated 14 per cent of early deaths in the UK.
His practical tip for shoppers is to flip the package and read the ingredient label. "If you don't recognise something on it, it's probably best not to eat it," he advised.
The Hidden Sugar in Everyday Carbs
The documentary also tackled misconceptions about diabetes and diet. Dr Chatterjee explained that one patient, Chris, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes not from eating sweets, but from consuming large amounts of starchy carbohydrates.
He revealed the dramatic impact such common foods have on blood glucose, equating it to spoonfuls of sugar:
- A small handful of pasta can have the same impact as six and a half teaspoons of sugar.
- A sandwich portion of processed white bread contains the equivalent of eight teaspoons of sugar.
- A small portion of white rice can be similar to consuming 10 teaspoons of sugar.
Dr Chatterjee's message shifts the focus from personal willpower to the powerful commercial forces shaping our food choices, offering a clear, actionable strategy for better health.
