Michael Pollan on What We Should and Shouldn't Eat.

Michael Pollan told 60 Minutes that ultraprocessed foods have helped drive higher calorie intake and rising rates of obesity and related chronic diseases, and he reiterated his guideline: 'eat food, not too much, mostly plants.'

Bill Whitaker's recent report looked at ultraprocessed foods, the ready-to-eat items common on grocery shelves. Former FDA commissioner David Kessler told 60 Minutes he believes those products have altered metabolism and are linked to higher rates of chronic disease. Michael Pollan agreed and cited an NIH inpatient trial that found people on ultraprocessed diets consumed roughly 500 more calories per day than those on whole-food diets. Pollan also restated his concise guideline — "eat food, not too much, mostly plants" — and discussed shopping patterns, home cooking, and the need for policy changes. Key points: - David Kessler told 60 Minutes that ultraprocessed products can trigger overeating and said he views them as contributing to increases in conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, and heart disease. - Michael Pollan cited a National Institutes of Health trial reporting about 500 extra calories per day on an ultraprocessed diet and noted many ultraprocessed items are lower in fiber. - Pollan reiterated his core dietary rule, recommended shopping the supermarket perimeter and more home cooking as examples he discussed, and called for changes to farm subsidies and food policy; the Consumer Brands Association said companies innovate to meet consumer demand and follow FDA evaluations. Summary: Pollan and David Kessler framed ultraprocessed foods as factors in higher calorie intake and rising rates of obesity and related chronic conditions. Pollan urged subsidy and policy changes and the industry emphasized adherence to FDA science; Undetermined at this time.