New Study Reveals Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Fat Gain in Men

Recent research highlights a concerning link between ultra-processed foods and increased fat gain in men, with findings indicating that these diets can adversely affect hormonal balance and introduce harmful substances. The study reveals that men consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods gain more fat than those who eat unprocessed meals, despite consuming the same caloric intake.

The investigation, led by Jessica Preston from the University of Copenhagen, demonstrates that it is the nature of ultra-processed foods themselves—not simply overeating—that contributes to weight gain. Men on these diets experience shifts in hormone levels, with a decrease in testosterone and an increase in pollutants. This suggests that not all calories are equal, as ultra-processed diets include ingredients such as emulsifiers, colorings, and preservatives, which can have detrimental effects on health.

The Study’s Methodology and Findings

To assess the impact of these diets, researchers compared the health effects of unprocessed and ultra-processed foods on the same group of individuals. The study involved 43 men, aged 20 to 35, who followed both diets for three weeks, with a three-month washout period between the two. Participants were divided into two groups: one began with the ultra-processed diet while the other started with the unprocessed diet.

Half of the participants received a high-calorie diet, with an additional 500 calories per day, while the other half consumed a standard caloric intake based on their size, age, and activity level. Both diets were designed to contain the same amounts of calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Results showed that men on the ultra-processed diet gained an average of 1 kg more fat mass compared to those on the unprocessed diet, regardless of caloric intake. Additionally, other cardiovascular health markers were negatively impacted.

Health Risks Associated with Ultra-Processed Foods

The implications of these findings are significant. A separate study published in the British Medical Journal in 2024, which analyzed data from 9.9 million people globally, linked ultra-processed food consumption to a higher risk of death from cardiovascular diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, sleep problems, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Ultra-processed foods are generally defined as products containing ingredients not typically used in home cooking, including various chemicals, colorings, and sweeteners that enhance flavor, texture, or appearance. The researchers also noted a concerning rise in the hormone-disrupting phthalate known as cxMINP in men consuming ultra-processed diets, alongside declines in testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, both essential for sperm production.

As these findings underscore the adverse effects of ultra-processed foods on male reproductive and metabolic health, there is a pressing need to reconsider dietary guidelines to mitigate chronic diseases. The study’s results are detailed in the research paper titled “Effect of ultra-processed food consumption on male reproductive and metabolic health,” published in Cell Metabolism.

The research not only highlights the importance of dietary choices on individual health but also serves as a call to action for public health policies aimed at reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods.