New Study Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Male Fat Gain and Hormonal Changes

A recent study has revealed that diets high in ultra-processed foods contribute to increased fat accumulation in men, disrupt hormonal balance, and may introduce harmful substances that are linked to declining sperm quality. This research underscores the idea that not all calories are equal, highlighting the health risks associated with ultra-processed diets.

The findings, led by Jessica Preston from the University of Copenhagen, indicate that men consuming large quantities of ultra-processed foods gain significantly more fat compared to those adhering to unprocessed meals, even when calorie intake is identical. The study highlights troubling shifts in male hormone levels, with a decrease in testosterone and an increase in pollutants. Specifically, individuals on ultra-processed diets—characterized by ingredients such as emulsifiers, colorings, and preservatives—experienced greater weight gain compared to those on minimally processed diets.

According to Preston, “Our results prove that ultra-processed foods harm our reproductive and metabolic health, even if they’re not eaten in excess. This indicates that it is the processed nature of these foods that makes them harmful.”

Health Risks Associated with Ultra-Processed Foods

The implications of these findings are alarming. A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2024, which analyzed data from 9.9 million people globally, linked ultra-processed foods to various health issues, including a heightened risk of death from cardiovascular diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, sleep disturbances, and mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.

To gather comprehensive data, researchers conducted a controlled study involving 43 men aged between 20 and 35 years. Each participant followed both an ultra-processed and an unprocessed diet over a total of six weeks, with a three-month washout period in between. Half of the subjects began with the ultra-processed diet, while the other half started with the unprocessed version. Participants received either a normal calorie amount or an additional 500 calories per day without being informed of their diet type. Both diets were balanced in calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

The results showed that men gained approximately 1 kg more fat while on the ultra-processed diet, regardless of their calorie intake. Additionally, several cardiovascular health markers were adversely affected during this period.

Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods

While there is no universally accepted definition of ultra-processed foods, they are generally recognized as containing ingredients that are not typically used in home cooking. This includes various chemicals, colorings, and sweeteners aimed at enhancing the food’s appearance, taste, or texture.

Significantly, the researchers noted an alarming increase in the hormone-disrupting phthalate cxMINP, commonly found in plastics, among men consuming ultra-processed diets. Concurrently, these individuals experienced declines in testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, both crucial for sperm production.

The long-term consequences of these dietary habits are serious, emphasizing the necessity for revising nutritional guidelines to better safeguard against chronic diseases.

The findings are detailed in the study titled “Effect of ultra-processed food consumption on male reproductive and metabolic health,” published in Cell Metabolism. As awareness grows regarding the implications of diet on health, this research serves as a critical reminder of the hidden dangers associated with ultra-processed foods.