Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit – Type 2 Diabetes

UPF Lawsuit

Research has shown the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in children. If your child developed type 2 diabetes before the age of 18 after consuming these products, you may be eligible for compensation.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are more than just processed items. They contain artificial additives, preservatives, and sweeteners made from ingredients extracted from whole foods, such as starches, hydrogenated fats, and added sugars. Common examples include:

  • Soft drinks
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Frozen meals
  • Fast food
  • Hot dogs
  • Packaged snacks like cookies and chips

These foods are designed to be convenient, hyper-palatable, and addictive, leading to overconsumption and serious health consequences.

If you or someone you know meets these criteria, you may be eligible for compensation. Don’t wait—reach out to Elk + Elk at 1-800-ELK-OHIO or complete our online form for a free case review.

Are You at Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes?

Research suggests individuals consuming large amounts of overly processed and high-sugar foods from an early age face a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Key criteria include:

  • Early childhood consumption of high-sugar, over-processed foods
  • Obesity or rapid weight gain
  • Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes before age 18
  • Current age under 30

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can cause a range of health issues, including:

  • Unexplained weight changes
  • Fatigue or sluggishness
  • Increased thirst and frequent urination
  • Slow healing of wounds
  • Blurred vision
  • Elevated blood sugar levels

The Link Between Ultra-Processed Foods and Type 2 Diabetes

Multiple studies have confirmed a strong association between UPF consumption and type 2 diabetes:

  • JAMA Internal Medicine (2019): A study involving more than 100,000 adults discovered that a 10% increase in the consumption of UPFs raised the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 15%. Participants who consumed the highest amounts of UPFs were significantly more likely to develop diabetes compared to those who consumed the least.
  • Diabetes Care: This study reinforced the connection, showing that individuals with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods had a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • BMC Medicine: A comprehensive review found that high consumption of UPFs is associated with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, independent of calorie intake or nutrient quality.

Why Ultra-Processed Foods Increase Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Unlike whole or minimally processed foods, UPFs negatively affect the body in multiple ways:

  1. Excessive Added Sugars & Fats – Many UPFs contain high refined sugars and unhealthy fats, contributing to insulin resistance.
  2. Disruptions in Appetite Regulation – Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can disrupt hunger and satiety signals, leading to overeating and potential weight gain, which are significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
  3. Harmful Additives & Preservatives – Research suggests that emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives in UPFs can trigger metabolic dysfunction.
  4. Chronic Inflammation – Diets high in UPFs promote inflammation, which significantly contributes to the development of insulin resistance and diabetes.

Children and the Growing Type 2 Diabetes Epidemic

Type 2 diabetes, once considered an adult disease, is now increasingly common among children, a trend directly linked to diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs). According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), children now obtain two-thirds of their daily calories from UPFs. Consequently, the number of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has surged, with cases tripling since 1980. What was once a rare condition in young people now poses a significant threat to long-term health, increasing the risk of:

  • Kidney disease
  • Vision problems
  • Heart disease
  • Nerve damage

Contact Elk + Elk Today

If you or a loved one whose children have suffered from Type-2 diabetes due to ultra-processed foods, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the experienced Elk + Elk personal injury attorneys at 1-800-ELK-OHIO or fill out a form online for a free case review.

By submitting a form from this page, I agree to the privacy policy of this site and consent to receive emails, phone calls and/or text message offers and communications from Elk + Elk and its network of lawyers working in this area of practice at any telephone number or email address provided by me, including my wireless number if provided. I understand there may be a charge by my wireless carrier for such communications. I understand these communications may be generated using an auto-dialer and may contain pre-recorded messages and that consent is not required to utilize such services. I understand that this authorization overrides any previous registrations on a federal or state Do Not Call registry.