Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain

First randomized, controlled study finds ultra-processed diet leads to weight gain

Subjects were admitted to the NIH Clinical Center, randomized to receive either ultra-processed or unprocessed diets for 2 weeks. Meals were designed to be matched for calories, energy density, macronutrients, sugar, sodium + fiber. Subjects were instructed to consume as much or little as desired.

Subjects on the ultra-processed diet consumed approx. 500 more calories daily, gaining 2lbs. While those on the unprocessed diets lost an average of 2lbs during the study.

In the US, the “Standard American Diet” (SAD) contains a large percentage of processed foods, with estimates ranging from 57% to 73% being ultra-processed. This means that a significant portion of the U.S. food supply is made up of foods that have undergone extensive processing, including the addition of preservatives, artificial flavours + colors.

A Stats Canada study concluded that on average, Canadian diets are made up of 46.4% UPF. Alarmingly, children aged 2-12 are consuming even higher than the average with 52% of their calories coming from ultra processed foods.

Consuming highly processed foods can contribute to various health problems, including weight gain, nutrient deficiencies, anxiety + depression, poor gut health, increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

These numbers are scary, but the good news is that by making some relatively easy adjustments and optimizing your nutrition you can change the trajectory of your wellness and improve longevity.

Noble Wellness specializes in working with families identifying problem foods, while offering numerous healthy and delicious alternatives. Our goal is to empower clients to take control of their health through sustainable changes.

Visit us online to book your free consult today!

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SOURCES: https://www.cc.nih.gov/about/news/newsletter/2019/summer/story-01
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2020011/article/00001/tbl/tbl02-eng.htm