As the popularity of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) grows in many places, so does the importance of research into the health effects of these foods. A recent publication in Cell Metabolism that reports the results of a nutrition trial (NCT05368194) has helped to address questions about how these foods affect metabolism and reproductive health in men between the ages of 20 and 35 years.

The researchers measured how the different diets affected several aspects of reproductive health and metabolism. They compared lean mass and adiposity in the different groups of men before and after each dietary intervention. There was no notable difference in lean mass but eating a low-UPF diet was associated with considerably lower adiposity than eating a high-UPF diet. The study also showed that body weight was elevated in the men who ate high amounts of UPFs. Increased body weight and adiposity in response to high UPF consumption were seen whether the men consumed sufficient calories or excess calories.