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
Clinical Scorecard: May Ultraprocessed Foods Raise Muscle Fat?
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Knee Osteoarthritis Risk Key Mechanisms Association between ultraprocessed food intake and muscle fat infiltration. Target Population Patients at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, aged older adults. Care Setting Clinical research setting utilizing MRI assessments.
Key Highlights
Higher ultraprocessed food consumption linked to increased thigh muscle fat infiltration. Study involved 615 patients without radiographic osteoarthritis or knee/hip pain. Muscle fat infiltration assessed via Goutallier grading on MRI. Stronger associations observed in abdominal circumference-adjusted models. No significant differences in associations based on sex. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Utilize MRI to assess muscle fat infiltration in patients at risk for knee osteoarthritis. Management
Consider dietary modifications to reduce ultraprocessed food intake. Monitoring & Follow-up
Regularly monitor muscle fat infiltration in patients with high UPF consumption. Risks
Increased muscle fat infiltration may contribute to poor muscle quality and knee osteoarthritis progression. Patient & Prescribing Data
Older adults at risk for knee osteoarthritis.
Reducing ultraprocessed food intake may improve muscle quality.
Clinical Best Practices
Encourage dietary assessments to identify ultraprocessed food consumption. Integrate physical activity recommendations to mitigate muscle fat infiltration. References
