Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Increased Body Fat & Hormonal Changes,Even with Identical Calorie Intake
A new study confirms that consuming ultra-processed foods leads to greater body fat accumulation and disrupts hormonal functions,even when calorie and nutrient intake are matched to minimally processed diets. Ultra-processed foods are defined as those heavily altered from their original state through industrial processes, often containing significant amounts of sugar, refined oils, and additives.
The research, published recently in the journal Cell Metabolism, was conducted by an international team led by researchers at the NNF Basic Research Center in Copenhagen, Denmark. The team experimented with 43 healthy men aged 20-35, alternating them between a minimally processed diet and an ultra-processed diet for three-week periods.
Both diets were carefully formulated to have identical calorie, protein, fat, and carbohydrate ratios. Participants were divided into two groups: a high-calorie group consuming an additional 500kcal per day, and a normal-calorie group. Crucially, participants were unaware of which diet they were consuming.The results showed that the group consuming the ultra-processed diet gained an average of approximately 1kg more body fat compared to when they were on the minimally processed diet. this increase was observed in both the normal-calorie and high-calorie groups, demonstrating that the method of processing itself has a significant impact beyond simply calorie intake.
Hormonal Disruption & Reproductive Health Concerns
The study also revealed concerning effects on hormonal and reproductive health.Participants consuming the ultra-processed diet exhibited increased levels of phthalates – chemicals used in plastic processing and known endocrine disruptors – in their blood. Simultaneously, researchers observed reductions in testosterone levels and markers of sperm progress.
Researchers noted the speed at which these hormonal changes occurred was alarming, suggesting potentially serious long-term consequences for reproductive and metabolic health.
“This result shows that ultra-processed foods are harmful to human metabolism and reproductive health, beyond simply inducing overeating,” the researchers stated.
The findings suggest current nutritional guidelines may not adequately address the risks associated with ultra-processed foods. The researchers advocate for new guidelines that consider the impact of food processing on health to better prevent chronic diseases.
Experts caution that even this short-term study,conducted on young,healthy men,demonstrated significant increases in body fat and hormonal changes,highlighting the potential for broader health implications.
