Ultra-processed foods trigger weight gain, hormonal disruption, and reproductive issues, even when calorie intake is controlled. Highlights: Ultra-processed foods increase fat gain even with equal calorie intakeincrease fat gain even with equal calorie intake Hormone-disrupting chemicals from processed foods lower testosteronefrom processed foods lower testosterone Key reproductive and metabolic markers are negatively impacted✔ ✔ Trusted SourceEffect of ultra-processed food consumption on male reproductive and metabolic healthGo to source Trusted SourceDid You Know? Men consuming ultra-processed foods gained 1 kg more fat and showed reduced testosterone, even when eating the same number of calories as those on whole-food diets. Other key indicators of cardiovascular health were also negatively affected.The study also uncovered ain participants on the ultra-processed diet. These individuals also showed, both of which are essential for healthy sperm production.“We were alarmed by the extent of physiological disruption caused by ultra-processed foods, especially in young, otherwise healthy men.