Ultra-processed foods harm men's health

Ultra-processed foods linked to weight gain and hormone disruption in men.

Why it matters

  • Ultra-processed foods increase weight and disrupt hormones.
  • Linked to declining sperm quality and cardiometabolic diseases.

By the numbers

  • 43 men aged 20-35 participated in the study.
  • Men gained around 1 kg more fat mass on the ultra-processed diet.
  • Increases in harmful substances and decreases in key hormones were found.

The big picture

  • Ultra-processed foods may contribute to obesity, type-2 diabetes, and declining sperm quality over the past 50 years.

What they're saying

  • Comments suggest other factors could contribute to health issues.
  • Some question the category of ultra-processed foods.

Caveats

  • The study is based on a relatively small sample size of 43 men.
  • Long-term effects of ultra-processed foods need further investigation.

What’s next

  • Findings suggest the need to revise nutritional guidelines to better protect against chronic diseases.