Ultra-processed foods are again under scrutiny, this time for their potential role in causing bone diseases such as knee osteoarthritis.

Ultra-processed foods, already blamed for health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and even early death, are now being blamed for musculoskeletal health, according to new research presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Create another threat to.

Ultra-processed foods are foods that contain additives and ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives that are not commonly found in home kitchens. These are foods that are high in saturated fat and lacking in nutrients and fiber.

Packaged items like potato chips, instant noodles, frozen pizza, French fries, sauces purchased in bottles, soda sugary beverages, etc. fall in the category of ultra-processed foods.

The study highlighted how these products, such as sugary drinks, packaged snacks, mass-produced breads and breakfast cereals, may contribute to the buildup of intramuscular fat in the thigh muscles.

This fat accumulation is linked to osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of bones wears down, causing pain and stiffness in the joints.

Interesting MRI-Based Findings

Researchers led by Dr. Zehra Akkaya of the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed MRI scans of 666 individuals who were at risk for osteoarthritis but had not yet been diagnosed with it.

Participants, who were on average 60 years old and mostly overweight, reported that about 40% of their diet came from ultra-processed foods.

The findings were shocking: regardless of other factors such as calorie intake, physical activity or BMI (body mass index), high ultra-processed food consumption was associated with an increase in fat in the thigh muscles.

This buildup of intramuscular fat may contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis.

“This is the first imaging study to explore the relationship between diet quality, specifically UPF, and muscle composition,” Akkaya said. “Our findings emphasize that diet quality plays an important role in musculoskeletal health.”

Although age and genetics are uncontrolled risk factors for osteoarthritis, diet and lifestyle changes can make a difference.

Akkaya stressed the importance of reducing the intake of ultra-processed food as part of the management and prevention of knee osteoarthritis.

“Osteoarthritis is a costly and growing global health problem. Focusing on modifiable factors such as diet may open new avenues for disease management,” Akkaya said.

The research also complemented previous findings that popular drugs such as Ozempic and Vegovy could reduce knee pain in severe cases.

Although prevention is still important, dietary awareness plays a central role in promoting joint health.