The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Men's Metabolic and Reproductive Health

Over the past five decades, there has been a significant rise in obesity, type-2 diabetes, and declining sperm quality among men. Researchers are increasingly linking these issues to the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are heavily industrialized and often contain additives and pollutants. Despite similar calorie counts, diets rich in ultra-processed foods can lead to greater weight gain and adverse health effects.

A recent international study published in Cell Metabolism highlights that individuals consuming high levels of ultra-processed foods tend to gain more fat, even when their caloric intake matches that of minimally processed diets. The study involved 43 men aged 20 to 35 who followed both diets—unprocessed and ultra-processed—for three weeks each, with a three-month break in between. Participants on the ultra-processed diet gained approximately one kilogram more in fat mass compared to those on unprocessed diets, regardless of whether their caloric intake was normal or surplus.

A notable concern revealed by the study is the presence of pollutants, such as phthalates like cxMINP, which disrupt hormonal functions and are found in plastics used in food packaging. Men on ultra-processed diets exhibited increased levels of these endocrine disruptors, alongside decreased levels of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone—both essential for healthy sperm production.

Lead researcher Jessica Preston from the University of Copenhagen emphasizes that the harmful effects observed are attributed to the processed nature of these foods rather than calorie content alone. This suggests that the industrial processing and added chemicals play a critical role in the adverse health outcomes.

These findings carry significant implications for public health policies and dietary guidelines, underscoring the need to reduce ultra-processed food consumption to safeguard metabolic and reproductive health in men. The study advocates for a shift towards minimally processed, whole foods to mitigate these health risks and prevent chronic diseases linked to modern dietary patterns.

For further details, see the original research: Jessica M. Preston et al., "Effect of ultra-processed food consumption on male reproductive and metabolic health," Cell Metabolism, 2025. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2025.08.004

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-calories-equal-ultra-foods-men.html