May Ultraprocessed Foods Raise Muscle Fat?

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

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Ultraprocessed food consumption is linked to increased thigh muscle fat infiltration in patients at risk for knee osteoarthritis.
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The study analyzed data from 615 patients without knee or hip pain, with ultraprocessed foods making up 41% of their diet.
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Higher ultraprocessed food intake correlated with greater muscle fat infiltration across all thigh muscles, particularly in flexors and adductors.
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The associations were stronger when adjusted for abdominal circumference, indicating a significant relationship with muscle fat content.
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The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and findings may not be generalizable beyond the older patient cohort studied.

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