Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and even declining sperm quality have been rising for decades — and new research suggests ultraprocessed foods could be part of the problem. In a controlled trial, men eating an ultraprocessed diet gained more fat and showed disruptions in reproductive hormones compared with those eating unprocessed meals.
For three weeks, healthy young men were given diets matched for calories, protein, fat, and carbs. Despite equal energy intake, those on the ultraprocessed plan gained about 1 kg more fat. They also showed lower testosterone and reduced sperm-supporting hormones, alongside higher levels of phthalates — hormone-disrupting chemicals linked to plastics often used in food packaging.
Scientists warn that the results are concerning. In just weeks, ultraprocessed foods disrupted multiple body systems. The findings suggest it isn’t only overeating that causes harm but the industrial nature of these foods themselves. Experts say updated dietary guidelines are urgently needed to protect both metabolic and reproductive health.
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