Regularly eating ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can trigger the development of a debilitating bone-thinning disease, new research has demonstrated.
A recent study has found that a high intake of UPFs is associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint disease, in which the tissues in the joint break down over time.
UPFs such as sweets and crisps have long been linked with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease, with experts urging people to reduce their intake.
More than 600 people living with overweight in America were analysed during the trial. The participants who consumed more junk food had higher amounts of fat stored inside their thigh muscles compared to those who ate less junk food, the study has reported.
Higher amounts of fat in the thigh muscle can trigger the development of knee osteoarthritis, experts have said.
Lead author Dr Zehra Akkaya said: “The novelty of this study is that it investigates the impact of diet quality, specifically the role of UPFs in relation to intramuscular fat in the thigh muscles assessed by MRI.”
During the trial, each participant underwent MRI scans and answered questions on their daily food intake.
Just under half of the foods they consumed in the past year were UPFs, the research has revealed.
Regardless of how many calories they consumed, the participants with a high intake of UPFs had more intramuscular fat in their thigh muscles compared to those with a low intake of UPFs, according to the findings.
Dr Akkaya noted: “In an adult population at risk for knee or hip osteoarthritis, consuming UPFs is linked to increased fat within the thigh muscles.
“These findings held true regardless of dietary energy content, BMI, sociodemographic factors or physical activity levels.”
She added: “Targeting modifiable lifestyle factors, mainly prevention of obesity via a healthy, balanced diet and adequate exercise, has been the mainstay of initial management for knee osteoarthritis.
“Osteoarthritis is an increasingly prevalent and costly global health issue. It is the largest contributor to non-cancer related health care costs in the US and around the world.”
She continued: “Since this condition is highly linked to obesity and unhealthy lifestyle choices, there are potential avenues for lifestyle modification and disease management.”
In the UK, approximately 3.5 million people are living with osteoarthritis, latest data has revealed.
