How can we make food that is good for health, societies, the planet and the economy?

University of Cambridge

Richard Westcott talks to Jonathan Stieglitz, IAST, and Martin White, University of Cambridge, about the global health challenges related to diet and nutrition, and the respective roles of public health policies, cultural practices, and lifestyle changes, while creating sustainable food systems that ensure access to healthy food for all and maintain economic viability. In this episode, Richard Westcott talks to Martin White and Jonathan Stieglitz about a big question: how can we create food systems that are good for our health, our communities, the planet, and the economy? Drawing on research from both modern cities and small-scale societies, they explore what shapes our diets today—from global food companies and convenience culture to physical activity and traditional ways of living. Our experts take a closer look at the contrast between ultra-processed foods and traditional diets and what that tells us about modern health challenges. They discuss the impact of sugar taxes, why simply educating people isn’t enough, and how government policy and industry action could help shift the system. They also reflect on the rise of weight-loss drugs—whether they are are helpful solutions or a distraction from the root problems. This episode is hosted by Richard Westcott (Cambridge University Health Partners and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus), and features experts Jonathan Stieglitz (IAST) and Martin White (Bennett Institute for Public Policy and Cambridge University) . Season 4 Episode 7 transcript Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast platform For more information about the Crossing Channels podcast series and the work of the Bennett Institute and IAST visit our websites at https://www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/ and https://www.iast.fr/. Follow us on Linkedin, Bluesky and X. With thanks to: Audio production by Steve Hankey Associate production by Burcu Sevde Selvi Visuals by Tiffany Naylor and Aurore Carbonnel