The consumption of processed foods could hinder your weight loss efforts

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have long been considered a factor contributing to the global obesity epidemic, affecting about one in eight people. Foods like chips, frozen meals, and processed meats are examples of UPFs that are often high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt. According to a recent study, people who prepare minimally processed meals from scratch rather than eating heavily processed ready-made meals lose more weight. The aim of the study, conducted by University College London and UCL Hospitals NHS Trust, was to determine whether UPFs and weight gain are related. During the study, participants followed one of two diets with the same nutritional profile for eight weeks. One diet consisted of minimally processed foods like overnight soaked oats with yogurt and homemade spaghetti bolognese, while the other consisted of breakfast bars and ready-made lasagna. Those following the second diet with less processed foods lost twice as much weight after eight weeks as those following the first diet. On average, those adhering to the alternative diet lost 2% of their body weight and consumed 290 fewer calories than those following the UPF diet, who consumed 120 fewer calories than usual. Researchers estimate that this could lead to a weight loss of 13% in men and 9% in women over the course of a year. The study's conclusions suggest that choosing less processed foods could be a more effective way to lose weight when following dietary recommendations.