Causes of fast fat gain, hormone imbalance and infertility? Study blames it on ultra-processed diets

When it comes to losing weight, what you eat matters more than how much you eat. A recent study reveals that if you eat more ultra-processed foods, your body tends to store more fat.

According to the research published in Cell Metabolism, more than what’s in your food, it’s how it’s made that affects your weight, hormones, and even fertility. People on ultra-processed diets, who ate more packaged snacks, frozen meals, and sugary drinks, gained more fat, even when eating the exact same number of calories as those eating unprocessed foods.

The study followed 43 healthy young men who spent three weeks on two different diets: one ultra-processed and other minimally processed. The results showed that those who consumed ultra-processed diets gained about 1 kg more fat. Plus, it wasn’t water retention or muscle gain, it was clear fat accumulation.

Also read | Obesity isn’t caused by inactivity, ultra-processed foods to blame—major global study finds

Health risks of ultra-processed foods

• Hampers hormones: Ultra-processed foods lowered testosterone and sperm-supporting hormones in men. These hormones help regulate fat storage and metabolism, when they drop, fat gain becomes easier.

• Toxic chemicals: The toxic chemicals from packaging may get into your body. The study showed that men on ultra-processed diets had higher levels of phthalates (chemicals from plastic packaging). These are endocrine disruptors, they interfere with your hormones and may lead to weight gain and fertility issues.

• Impact of ultra-processing: Even with matched calories, carbs, fats, and protein, ultra-processed foods led to more body fat and worse health markers. The problem seems to come from the industrial processing itself, not just the ingredients or overeating.

• Fat gain happens fast: In just 3 weeks, healthy young men gained about 1 kg of fat on the ultra-processed diet, with no extra calories. This shows how quickly ultra-processed foods can impact your body.

• Not about willpower: Participants weren’t told which diet they were on. Results prove it’s not just poor choices or overeating, ultra-processing itself is harmful.