Study Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Fat Buildup in Muscles and Potential Osteoarthritis Risk

Healthy Eating

BY HealthPont

December 18, 2024

Study Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Fat Buildup in Muscles and Potential Osteoarthritis Risk

A new study presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s (RSNA) annual meeting reveals a concerning link between diets high in ultra-processed foods and increased fat deposits in thigh muscles, which could contribute to knee osteoarthritis. The findings highlight that this relationship persists regardless of calorie intake or physical activity levels.

Ultra-processed foods—characterized by industrial ingredients, artificial additives, and chemical alterations—have become staples in modern diets. Common examples include packaged snacks, frozen meals, sugary drinks, candies, and mass-produced baked goods. These items often contain a mix of sugar, salt, and fats designed to trigger the brain’s reward system, making them hard to resist.

In this study, researchers analyzed data from 666 participants of the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a large-scale research project funded by the National Institutes of Health. The participants, aged around 60 years on average, were overweight but had not yet developed osteoarthritis. Approximately 40% of their diet consisted of ultra-processed foods.

Using MRI scans, researchers observed that higher consumption of these foods correlated with greater fat infiltration in thigh muscles. This fatty degeneration, where fat replaces muscle fibers, has previously been linked to reduced muscle function and increased risk of osteoarthritis.

Dr. Zehra Akkaya, lead author and former Fulbright Scholar, emphasized the study’s novelty: “This is the first imaging study to examine the relationship between diet quality and intramuscular fat assessed by MRI.” The findings remained consistent even when accounting for variables such as BMI, caloric intake, and physical activity.

Given osteoarthritis’s rising prevalence and its significant burden on healthcare systems, these findings underscore the importance of addressing lifestyle factors. “Obesity and unhealthy dietary habits are key contributors to osteoarthritis,” Dr. Akkaya explained. “Modifying diet and promoting physical activity could offer promising pathways for prevention and management.”

By shedding light on how diet quality affects muscle health, this research opens new avenues for understanding and potentially mitigating musculoskeletal issues through better nutrition.

Co-authors of the study include Gabby B. Joseph, Ph.D., Katharina Ziegeler, M.D., Wynton M. Sims, John A. Lynch, Ph.D., and Thomas M. Link, M.D., Ph.D.