Ultra-Processed Foods May Increase Thigh Fat, Raising Osteoarthritis Risk
A new study suggests a potential link between consuming ultra-processed foods and increased fat accumulation in thigh muscles. This build-up could contribute to the development of knee osteoarthritis, a painful and debilitating degenerative joint disease.
Diet Quality’s Impact on Muscle Health
Researchers explored the relationship between diet quality and intramuscular fat in the thigh muscles using MRI scans. This type of imaging provides detailed views of soft tissues and is commonly used to assess muscle composition.
The study used the NOVA classification system, which categorizes foods based on their degree of processing. Ultra-processed foods represent the most heavily altered and far removed from their original forms.
“The novelty of this study is that it investigates the impact of diet quality, specifically the role of ultra-processed foods in relation to intramuscular fat in the thigh muscles assessed by MRI,”
explained the study head, Dr. Akkaya, in a statement.
The study involved 666 participants with an average age of 60 who were not yet diagnosed with osteoarthritis or experiencing any lingering pain. Notably, the link between ultra-processed food consumption and thigh fat levels persisted regardless of the participant’s calorie intake, body mass index (BMI), or physical activity levels.
They found that individuals who consumed higher amounts of ultra-processed foods tended to have more intramuscular fat deposited in their thigh muscles.
Previous research has demonstrated that a decline in thigh muscle quality could be linked to the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis. Tattoos. Although the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship aren’t fully understood, the researchers suggest that excess fat accumulation in muscles may trigger inflammation and disrupt healthy joint function.
Beyond Osteoarthritis: The Wider Implications
The researchers also pointed out that intramuscular fat accumulation wasn’t solely connected to knee osteoarthritis
Intramuscular fat has also been linked to several other conditions like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Similarly, research suggests a connection between intramuscular fat deposits and cardiovascular disease and muscle atrophy.
Furthermore, obese individuals and those leading unhealthy lifestyles are more prone to musculoskeletal problems, including osteoarthritis. “Understanding this relationship could have important clinical implications,” Dr. Akkaya added.
“It offers a new perspective on how diet quality affects musculoskeletal health.”
The researchers underscore the need for further research to confirm these findings and explore effective prevention and treatment approaches.
