The Hidden Epidemic: Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are Causing Type 2 Diabetes and Liver Disease in Children

Across the United States, more children are being diagnosed with chronic illnesses that were once found almost exclusively in adults. Medical research, including a 2024 World Health Organization-affiliated EPIC cohort study and a 2023 NIH-funded analysis of U.S. NHANES data, has shown a clear link between long-term consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

If you or your child (especially teens and young adults up to age 30) has been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, especially if there are serious complications like liver failure or the need for a liver transplant, you’re not alone. More families are starting to question whether ultra-processed foods played a role in these life-changing health issues.

At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we’re actively investigating how UPFs may be contributing to Type 2 diabetes and severe liver damage in children and young adults. We’re here to help families get answers, understand their options, and connect them with support.

If someone in your family has been impacted, reach out online or call our mass tort trial attorneys at 617-420-1111 to schedule a FREE case review and learn whether you may have a claim.

A Growing Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight

In classrooms and pediatric clinics across America, doctors are now diagnosing diseases once seen only in middle-aged adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rates of type 2 diabetes in adolescents have more than doubled over the last two decades.

Researchers have reported a parallel rise in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a silent but serious buildup of fat in the liver that can progress to cirrhosis or even liver failure. A Pediatrics study found that NAFLD diagnoses in children increased from 36 to 58 cases per 100,000 between 2009 and 2018.

At the center of this trend lies a familiar culprit: the industrially engineered, hyper-palatable ultra-processed foods that dominate grocery aisles and school lunches. These products, from sugary cereals and packaged snacks to frozen meals, are loaded with refined sugars, synthetic fats, and chemical additives designed to tempt the taste buds while bypassing the body’s natural satiety signals.

How Ultra-Processed Foods Damage Developing Bodies

Children metabolize nutrients differently than adults. Their organs and endocrine systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to the metabolic chaos that UPFs can trigger, especially when children consume them daily over many years.

• Insulin Resistance: High-sugar, high-fat combinations overwhelm the pancreas, forcing excess insulin production that leads to insulin resistance and ultimately, type 2 diabetes.
• Liver Fat Accumulation: Fructose-heavy sweeteners are converted into fat inside the liver. Over time, this buildup causes inflammation and scarring, which are the hallmarks of NAFLD.
• Inflammatory Additives: Emulsifiers, stabilizers, and colorants disrupt gut microbiota, increasing systemic inflammation associated with liver and metabolic diseases.

NIH-funded research shows that ultra-processed foods now make up about two-thirds (roughly 61–67%) of the calories children and teens consume in the United States. That statistic explains why clinicians at leading pediatric centers are treating conditions that were virtually unheard of in children a generation ago.

Every Family’s Story Is Different

No two UPF cases are alike. One family may trace their child’s diagnosis to years of sports drinks and snack bars marketed as “healthy.” Another may uncover how “low-fat” convenience foods mask dangerous amounts of hidden sugars. Some children require liver transplants before reaching adulthood; others face a lifetime of blood sugar monitoring and dietary restriction.

Each path involves distinct products, timelines, and medical outcomes. That means each case demands individualized legal attention. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we don’t use templates. We build each case from the ground up, guided by the child’s unique medical history and the manufacturer’s conduct.

“Every child’s story deserves to be told with precision, compassion, and purpose. Our job is to translate that story into justice, one family at a time.”
– Jesse Bernheim, Founding Partner

The Power of Trial-Tested Representation

Complex mass tort litigation requires more than paperwork. It demands courtroom credibility, the kind that comes from years of trying cases against some of the nation’s largest corporations.

Bernheim Kelley’s leadership team, including Jesse Bernheim and Walter Kelley, brings decades of combined trial experience to every UPF case. Manufacturers know our firm prepares every claim as if a jury will hear it, which often leads to better outcomes long before a verdict is rendered.

“When billion-dollar food companies cut corners that endanger children, they need to know the courtroom door is wide open. We’re not afraid to walk through it.”
– Walter Kelley, Trial Attorney & Mass Tort Leader

Concierge-Level Service, Nationwide Reach

Families coping with a child’s chronic illness already face enough stress. That’s why Bernheim Kelley provides a concierge-level client experience rooted in accessibility, empathy, and communication.

• You’ll work directly with your attorney, not a call center.
• You’ll receive regular updates and have immediate access to case information through secure communication channels.
• You’ll have an entire team coordinating medical records, expert evaluations, and support resources so you can focus on your child’s care.

Our attorneys represent families nationwide, drawing on partnerships with leading medical and scientific experts to connect the dots between a child’s exposure to UPFs and type 2 diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

“I had a wonderful experience with this team. They consistently kept me informed about the progress of my case and always made me feel like a priority. Their professionalism and dedication truly stood out.” -Daisy P.

“Thank you, Jesse Bernheim, you and your staff are nothing but amazing. You and your staff make clients feel like family.” -Eddie S.

“Working with Bernheim Kelley was an extremely positive experience. The level of attention given was much appreciated, especially with complicated details within our case.” -Marlaina R.

Can Families Sue for Harm Caused by Ultra-Processed Foods?

Yes, under specific conditions. Families may have legal grounds to pursue an ultra-processed foods lawsuit if:

• The child was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease before age 18.
• The child is currently under 30 years old.
• There is evidence of long-term consumption of certain ultra-processed products linked to the diagnosis.

These cases are highly fact-specific. Establishing causation involves medical records, dietary history, expert review, and often internal corporate data showing what the manufacturer knew and when. That’s why working with an experienced, trial-ready firm matters.

Taking the First Step Toward Real Justice

If your child was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease before turning 18 and is under 30 today, we’re here to help you get answers. Reach out to Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers today for a FREE, confidential consultation. You’ll speak directly with a mass tort attorney for ultra-processed foods who will take the time to understand your family’s story and explain your legal options.

There’s no obligation. What matters is your child’s future. If you suspect there’s a connection between ultra-processed foods and you or your child’s type 2 diabetes, liver disease, or other chronic illness, take the first step toward getting Real Justice today by calling 617-420-1111 or contacting us online.