Cornerstone Press wins seven-way auction for van Tulleken

Cornerstone Press has triumphed in a seven-way auction for Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken, to be published in early 2023 as a flagship title.

Helen Conford, publisher at the newly announced imprint, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Zoë Waldie at RCW.

The book is billed as a “fast paced and eye-opening book which reveals the true cause of the obesity pandemic as well as many other poor health outcomes; ultra-processed food (UPF).”

Its synopsis explains: “It delves into the science and economics of UPF, reframing obesity as a 'commerciogenic disease' driven by an industry that knowingly creates and markets harmful, addictive substances. It is not a diet book, but it may lead to weight loss; it is not an environmental treatise, but it will help the planet. The book will use evidence to propose real solutions to the global obesity crisis, both for policy makers and for readers. Threaded throughout is a highly engaging personal account of the author’s own confused relationship with UPF as a doctor, parent, sibling and broadcaster.”

Conford said: “We were all buzzing after we read Chris’s proposal, and even more so after meeting him and talking about the far-reaching impact of UPF. His book will bring a clear understanding of its impact on all of us, from the food we give our children to the ways we think about obesity and the climate crisis. Warm, funny, revelatory and already changing individual eating habits here at Cornerstone, I am incredibly happy and excited to have become Chris’ publisher and help change how we all eat.”

Van Tulleken is a practising infectious diseases doctor in the NHS at University College London Hospital and an associate professor at UCL. He has a PhD in molecular virology and his academic work now focuses mainly on research integrity and conflicts of interest — especially in infant nutrition. A broadcaster for children and adults on the BBC, his work has won two Baftas and been nominated for five more. His recent podcast, “A Thorough Examination — Addicted to Food”, co-presented with his brother Xand, topped Apple’s podcast chart. He recently made a documentary for BBC1 about UPF called “What are we feeding our kids?”.

He said: “Ultra Processed Food is one of the most important existential threats to humans — driving synergistic pandemics of climate change, malnutrition and obesity. I’m delighted to find a home with Helen and the team at Cornerstone who clearly understand my ambitions for the book and the urgent need to change the way we manufacture, market and eat food.”