3 Lesser-Known Health Risks of Ultraprocessed Foods to Put on Your Radar

Research shows that eating ultra-processed foods can affect bone and muscle health, as well as fertility. Image credit: Matt Cardy/Getty Images. The negative health effects of ultra-processed foods are of increasing interest to researchers. A new study has found that eating more ultra-processed foods may worsen muscle health. Another recent study has shown that eating more ultra-processed foods may be associated with weaker bones. Recent research has also found that eating higher amounts of ultra-processed foods may affect fertility in females. Common health risks linked to ultra-processed food intake include obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature death. The impacts of ultra-processed food consumption on human health are a growing concern. A review from February found that ultra-processed foods may be as addictive as tobacco products. The researchers noted that the way these foods can rapidly deliver “feel-good” chemicals to the brain can make them potentially addictive. These addictive qualities can make people want to eat more of them. Research has shown that eating higher amounts of ultra-processed foods can lead to various health risks like cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and premature death. While these health effects have been widely established, other studies are examining the lesser-known health impacts. These include poorer muscle and bone health, as well as fertility issues in females. Here’s what you need to know. Ultra-processed foods may worsen muscle health A recent study published in Radiology, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), found that a diet high in ultra-processed foods may be associated with greater fat storage in thigh muscles. Higher amounts of intramuscular fat in the thigh may increase a person’s risk of knee osteoarthritis. “Over the past decades, in parallel to the rising prevalences of obesity and knee osteoarthritis, the use of natural ingredients in our diets h