Scientists discover another downside to ultra-processed foods

Health & Fitness
2 Sep 2025 • 9:28 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • New research indicates that consuming an ultra-processed diet leads to greater weight gain compared to a minimally processed diet, even when caloric intake is identical.
  • A study involving 43 men aged 20-35 found participants gained approximately one kilogram more fat mass while on an ultra-processed diet.
  • The findings suggest that the processed nature of foods, rather than just caloric content, significantly impacts reproductive and metabolic health.
  • The study also revealed that diets high in ultra-processed foods introduce higher levels of pollutants, such as phthalate cxMINP, which are known to negatively affect sperm quality and hormone levels.
  • Researchers concluded that calories from unprocessed and ultra-processed foods are not metabolised or stored equally, highlighting the need to revise nutritional guidelines.

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