A new study has found a possible link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the buildup of fat in the thigh muscles, which may increase the risk of knee arthritis. The research was presented by radiologist Dr. Zahra Akkaya, who conducted the study at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), during the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago.

According to Dr. Akkaya, “In adults at risk for knee or hip osteoarthritis, consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to an increase in fat within the thigh muscles.”

Ultra-processed foods are composed primarily of substances removed from whole foods, such as saturated fats, starches, and added sugars. They often contain additives such as flavors, colors, emulsifiers, and stabilizers to enhance taste and shelf life. Common examples include packaged baked goods, sugary cereals, ready-to-eat meals, and deli meats.

Research has long indicated that the health of the thigh muscles plays an important role in knee arthritis. The accumulation of fat within the thighs, called “fatty degeneration”, occurs when fat deposits replace muscle fibers, causing the muscles to weaken. Dr. Akkaya emphasized that this pathology is visible on MRI scans and is associated with the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.

To explore the role of diet, Akkaya’s team used MRI scans to analyze thigh fat levels in 666 participants aged an average of 60, none of whom had osteoarthritis at the start of the study. . The researchers found that participants who consumed a greater proportion of ultra-processed foods (an average of 40 percent of their daily diet) showed increased levels of intramuscular fat.

Notably, this relationship remained consistent regardless of the participant’s weight, daily calorie intake, physical activity level, income, or education.

“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,” Dr. Akkaya said.

Osteoarthritis of the knee, a degenerative joint disease, can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The condition is worsened by a decline in thigh muscle strength due to fatty degeneration, making it difficult for people to maintain an active lifestyle and control their weight.

The study highlights the importance of diet in managing the risk of osteoarthritis. Reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods can be a practical step toward prevention. Dr. Akkaya and his team recommend lifestyle changes as a preventive strategy, including a balanced diet with minimal processed foods. Although the findings are promising, researchers say they should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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