Higher ultra-processed food intake tied to increased thigh muscle fat on MRI

In a study of 666 adults, higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with greater intramuscular fat deposition in the thigh, regardless of total calorie intake or physical activity. Participants in the highest tertile of UPF consumption showed 6.5% higher thigh i…

• Prospective cohort (Osteoarthritis Initiative); n=666 with baseline diet and follow-up MRI; mean age ~60 y.
• Highest vs lowest tertile of UPF consumption had 6.5% higher intramuscular fat fraction (95% CI not provided in source).
• Causality cannot be established; observational design limited by potential residual confounding.

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