According to a study unveiled at the prestigious Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2024 congress, these products are also responsible for an infiltration of fat in the muscles of our thighs, visible on MRI.
A worrying reality which, in the long term, could contribute to the appearance of degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis of the knee and hip.
The hidden side of ultra-processed foods
From industrial cereals to energy drinks, hot dogs and packaged snacks, ultra-processed foods are attractive for their convenience and long shelf life.
However, behind their appeal lies an insidious recipe: a mixture of sugar, salt, saturated fats and chemical additives, designed to stimulate our desires and encourage overconsumption.
These foods, far from being harmless, modify the composition of our muscles by increasing the quantity of intramuscular fat, a phenomenon now measurable using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
A pioneering study on diet and muscle health
Led by Dr. Zehra Akkaya and her team at the University of California, San Francisco, this research used data from 666 participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a national program aimed at better understanding knee osteoarthritis. .
The results were striking: around 40% of participants regularly consumed ultra-processed foods, and this consumption was directly correlated with increased fat in their thigh muscles.
“These results remain constant, regardless of caloric intake, body mass index (BMI), or level of physical activity,” specifies Dr. Akkaya.
The consequences on the joints: an underestimated risk
Intramuscular fat accumulation is not just a question of aesthetics.
It is accompanied by a quantitative and functional decline of the muscles, favoring the appearance and progression of osteoarthritis.
“On MRI, we observe streaks of fat gradually replacing the muscle fibers, a sign of real degeneration,” explains the researcher.
This muscle breakdown is of particular concern because it directly affects joint stability and mobility, increasing the risk of chronic pain and loss of autonomy.
Change your seat to protect your joints
Faced with these findings, prevention becomes a priority.
“Targeting modifiable lifestyle factors, such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity, is essential to combat osteoarthritis and its costly public health consequences,” emphasizes Dr. Akkaya.
Osteoarthritis, the leading cause of non-cancer visits in the United States, is a growing global burden.
Yet simple changes, such as reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods, could provide a real boost to our healthcare system and improve the quality of life for millions of people.
A message of hope for the future
This study, unique in its approach, highlights the unsuspected impact of diet quality on muscle health.
“Understanding these links opens the way to innovative clinical interventions, based on adapted dietary recommendations,” concludes Dr. Akkaya.
In the meantime, the key seems to be on our plates: favor natural foods, rich in nutrients, and say goodbye to ultra-processed products to preserve not only our figure, but also our joints and our mobility.
A good reason to rediscover the pleasure of a balanced and authentic diet.
