May Ultraprocessed Foods Raise Muscle Fat? - Report - MDSpire

May Ultraprocessed Foods Raise Muscle Fat?

MRI study suggests higher intake is associated with greater intramuscular fat in patients at risk for knee osteoarthritis.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • April 17, 2026

  • 3 min

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Clinical Report: May Ultraprocessed Foods Raise Muscle Fat?

Overview

Increased consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPF) is linked to higher thigh muscle fat infiltration in patients at risk for knee osteoarthritis, according to a cross-sectional analysis of 615 patients, highlighting the potential impact of dietary choices on muscle quality.

Background

Ultraprocessed foods are prevalent in modern diets and have been associated with various health issues, including obesity and chronic diseases. Understanding their impact on muscle quality is crucial, especially in populations at risk for conditions like osteoarthritis. This study provides insights into how dietary patterns may influence muscle health and fat distribution.

Data Highlights

MeasureFindings
UPF Intake41% of total dietary intake
Muscle Fat InfiltrationIncreased by 0.1 SD for every 1 SD increase in UPF intake
Muscle Types AssessedFlexors, Extensors, Adductors

Key Findings

  • Higher UPF consumption correlates with greater muscle fat infiltration across all thigh muscles (p-value needed).
  • Associations were stronger when adjusted for abdominal circumference compared to BMI (p-value needed).
  • No significant differences in muscle fat infiltration were found based on sex.
  • Flexor muscles exhibited the highest fat infiltration, while extensors showed the lowest.
  • Patients with higher UPF intake had visibly greater intramuscular fat despite similar age and BMI.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider dietary patterns, particularly UPF consumption, when assessing muscle health in patients at risk for knee osteoarthritis. Encouraging a diet lower in ultraprocessed foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, may be beneficial for improving muscle quality and overall health.

Conclusion

This study underscores the potential negative impact of ultraprocessed food consumption on muscle quality, suggesting a need for dietary interventions in at-risk populations. Further research is needed to establish causality.

References

  1. Akkaya Z, et al., Radiology, 2023 -- May Ultraprocessed Foods Raise Muscle Fat?
  2. The ASCO Post — Ultraprocessed Food Associated With Increased Mortality Risk in Cancer Survivors
  3. The ASCO Post — Ultraprocessed Food Associated With Increased Mortality Risk in Cancer Survivors
  4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Diminished Insulin-Mediated Regulation of Plasma Lipid Uptake and Its Distribution in Skeletal Muscle Among Obese Individuals
  5. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology — Association Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk: Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study in Australia
  6. Ultraprocessed Food Associated With Increased Mortality Risk in Cancer Survivors
  7. Diminished Insulin-Mediated Regulation of Plasma Lipid Uptake and Its Distribution in Skeletal Muscle Among Obese Individuals
  8. Association Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk

Original Source(s)

May Ultraprocessed Foods Raise Muscle Fat?

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • April 17, 2026

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