In This Article:
- How are obesity and ultra-processed foods connected?
- Is high fructose corn syrup fueling the obesity epidemic?
- What is the role of chronic disease in the ultra-processed food crisis?
- Why waiting for perfect proof on health risks is a dangerous game.
- How small changes in diet can lead to big health improvements.
What Can the Stock Market Teach Us About Our Waistlines?
by Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com
Back in my college days, I decided to dig into the mysteries of the stock market, specifically the relationship between interest rates and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. What I found was a clear correlation: when interest rates went up, the Dow often went down, and vice versa. Now, correlation doesn’t mean causation—an important mantra for anyone who doesn’t want to sound like a conspiracy theorist at a dinner party—but it’s the spark that starts the fire of discovery. Think of it as a big neon sign that says, Hey, look over here! There might be something important!
Fast forward to today, and I’m looking at another glaring correlation, this time in the realm of health. Let’s talk about the rise in obesity and the invention of high-fructose corn syrup. Plot those two on a chart, and the overlap is as obvious as a bull market after a Federal Reserve rate cut. High-fructose corn syrup, that sugary abomination derived from the ultra-processing of corn, has wormed its way into nearly everything we eat. And it’s not just syrup—think about wonder bread, which is made from white flour that’s ultra-processed from wheat. We’ve basically taken wholesome, natural foods and turned them into... well, edible fluff.
Ultra-Processed Foods: The Smoking Gun?
If you compare the rise of obesity with the rise of chronic diseases—diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers—you start to see the same pattern. Ultra-processed foods aren’t just making us fatter; they’re making us sicker. And yet, here we are, debating whether it’s “really proven” that eating foods engineered to last longer on a shelf than most marriages is bad for us.
Here’s the thing about causation: it takes time to prove. Scientists need years, sometimes decades, to say with certainty, Yes, A causes B. In the meantime, we’re stuck with the obvious correlations staring us in the face. And if we wait for absolute proof before acting, the damage is often already done. It’s like seeing storm clouds gathering and deciding not to bring an umbrella because the meteorologist hasn’t officially declared rain.
Lessons from the Stock Market
This is where stock market analysis offers a valuable lesson. Successful investors don’t wait for perfect information—they act on reasonable correlations. They see patterns, make educated guesses, and adjust course when the evidence changes. It’s not about being reckless; it’s about being proactive and adaptable. Waiting for 100% certainty in the market—or in life—means missing out on opportunities and, worse, getting blindsided by preventable disasters.
So, what if we applied that same principle to our health? The correlation between obesity, chronic disease, and ultra-processed foods is crystal clear. Sure, we might not have all the details nailed down, but do we really need a peer-reviewed study to tell us that eating fewer Pop-Tarts and more fresh produce is a good idea? Sometimes common sense is the best guide.
The Cost of Inaction
The truth is, we’re already paying the price for our inaction. Rising healthcare costs, declining life expectancy, and a population struggling with preventable illnesses—these are the dividends of our addiction to ultra-processed foods. And yet, the food industry continues to peddle their sugary, salty, preservative-laden wares, claiming there’s no “definitive proof” that their products are the culprits. Sound familiar? It’s the same strategy Big Tobacco used for decades. Deny, deflect, and rake in the profits while the public pays the price.
Empowerment Through Action
Here’s the good news: we don’t have to wait for the scientific equivalent of a smoking gun to take action. Start small. Read labels. Cook at home. Choose foods that look like they came from nature, not a chemistry lab. And most importantly, don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Every step away from ultra-processed foods is a step toward better health.
If the stock market can teach us anything, it’s that acting reasonably on correlations and staying open to new evidence can help us avoid the worst outcomes. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being smart, proactive, and willing to change course when needed. So let’s take a page from the investor’s playbook and start betting on our health. After all, the returns on that investment are priceless.
About the Author
Robert Jennings is the co-publisher of InnerSelf.com, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering a more connected, equitable world. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army, Robert draws on his diverse life experiences, from working in real estate and construction to building InnerSelf with his wife, Marie T. Russell, to bring a practical, grounded perspective to life’s challenges. Founded in 1996, InnerSelf.com shares insights to help people make informed, meaningful choices for themselves and the planet. More than 30 years later, InnerSelf continues to inspire clarity and empowerment.
Creative Commons 4.0
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 License. Attribute the author Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com. Link back to the article This article originally appeared on InnerSelf.com
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Article Recap:
Obesity and ultra-processed foods, especially high fructose corn syrup, share a striking correlation. Chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease follow the same trend, linking ultra-processed foods to significant health risks. Waiting for absolute scientific proof delays action, compounding the damage. Acting reasonably on these correlations, much like stock market analysis, can help avoid the worst consequences. Making smart dietary shifts now can help break free from the grip of ultra-processed foods.
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