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NIHonX / Twitter1d ago
🥗 What you eat may play a bigger role in musculoskeletal health than previously known. NIH-funded research found that people who consumed diets high in ultra-processed foods tended to have more intermuscular fat.
Learn more: nbcnews.to/4vwCQUL
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Analysis Summary
A study of 615 people published in the journal Radiology found that eating lots of ultra-processed foods is associated with more fat buildup between muscle fibers, independent of weight or exercise levels. This matters because excess intermuscular fat changes how muscles work and is linked to knee osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes risk. The researchers note this is correlation, not yet proven cause-and-effect — and they found the effect held even when controlling for BMI and calorie intake, suggesting ultra-processed foods damage muscle quality through nutritional deficiency, not just calories.
Claims Analysis (2)
“NIH-funded research found that people who consumed diets high in ultra-processed foods tended to have more intermuscular fat.”
Study published in Radiology on April 14, 2026. Researchers analyzed 615 participants from NIH's Osteoarthritis Initiative. MRI scans confirmed higher intermuscular fat in those with high ultra-processed food diets, independent of BMI and exercise.
“Diet plays a significant role in musculoskeletal health.”
Directly supported by published research and expert commentary in the article. Dr. Thomas Link and other experts confirm diet's impact on muscle structure and function.
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