Ultra-processed foods linked to fatty thigh muscles in people at risk for knee OA
In 615 adults at risk for knee osteoarthritis, higher intake of ultra-processed foods was linked to greater fat infiltration in thigh muscles on MRI, independent of total calories or fat intake. The cross-sectional design means causality can’t be established, but the study suggests dietary quality may affect muscle health and osteoarthritis risk, warranting further longitudinal research.