Ultra-processed foods study links weight gain, sperm harm

New Delhi : A new study has revealed that even small amounts of ultra-processed foods can cause significant health issues in men, including weight gain, hormone disruption, and poor sperm quality.

The international research, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, showed that men gain more fat on an ultra-processed diet compared to a minimally processed one, even when consuming the same number of calories.

“Our results prove that ultra-processed foods harm reproductive and metabolic health, even if they’re not eaten in excess. This indicates it’s the processed nature of these foods that makes them harmful,” said lead author Jessica Preston, University of Copenhagen’s NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR).

To conduct the study, researchers recruited 43 men aged 20–35, each spending three weeks on both diets with a three-month “washout” period in between. Half were given normal calorie intake, while the other half received an additional 500 daily calories. Importantly, the nutrient breakdown—calories, proteins, carbs, and fats—remained identical across both diets.

The findings showed that men gained about 1 kg more fat mass while on the ultra-processed diet, regardless of calorie intake. Markers of cardiovascular health were also negatively impacted.

Most concerning was the rise in phthalate cxMINP, a chemical commonly found in plastics and known for hormone disruption. Men on the ultra-processed diet showed lower levels of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone, both critical for sperm production.

“We were shocked by how many body functions were disrupted by ultra-processed foods, even in healthy young men. The long-term implications are alarming and highlight the urgent need to revise nutritional guidelines,” said Professor Romain Barrès, University of Copenhagen.

The study reinforces warnings from health experts urging people to minimize consumption of ultra-processed foods such as packaged snacks, sugary drinks, ready-to-eat meals, and processed meats.

Also Read : Gates Foundation, SK Bioscience Partner to Boost Global Health

“Our results prove that ultra-processed foods harm reproductive and metabolic health, even if they’re not eaten in excess. This indicates it’s the processed nature of these foods that makes them harmful,” said lead author Jessica Preston, University of Copenhagen’s NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR).

The findings showed that men gained about 1 kg more fat mass while on the ultra-processed diet, regardless of calorie intake. Markers of cardiovascular health were also negatively impacted.

“We were shocked by how many body functions were disrupted by ultra-processed foods, even in healthy young men. The long-term implications are alarming and highlight the urgent need to revise nutritional guidelines,” said Professor Romain Barrès, University of Copenhagen.

The study reinforces warnings from health experts urging people to minimize consumption of ultra-processed foods such as packaged snacks, sugary drinks, ready-to-eat meals, and processed meats.

Also Read : Gates Foundation, SK Bioscience Partner to Boost Global Health