Researchers analyzed dietary and brain imaging data from roughly 30,000 middle-aged adults in the UK Biobank. They assessed how UPF intake correlates with brain microstructure in regions responsible for hunger, reward, and emotional eating — notably the hypothalamus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens.
The study used advanced MRI techniques to measure cellular integrity, water content, and tissue microarchitecture, adjusting for confounders like body mass index, diet composition, physical activity, and socioeconomic factors.
Findings showed that higher UPF consumption is associated with altered brain tissue properties, including increased cellularity in the hypothalamus and reduced cellularity accompanied by more water content in other feeding-related areas. These neural changes could disrupt appetite regulation, making people more prone to overeating.
Mediation analyses showed part of the effect is linked to obesity-related metabolic disturbances such as increased triglycerides, systemic inflammation, and glucose dysregulation, but direct effects independent of adiposity were also evident. The chemical additives and altered nutrient profiles of UPFs likely contribute to these brain changes.
This research offers a novel perspective on why UPFs drive overconsumption and obesity beyond just taste or calorie density. These brain alterations may create a reinforcing cycle of increased UPF intake, complicating weight management.
Although the study is observational and cannot prove causality, it underscores the urgent need to reconsider dietary guidelines and food policies addressing UPF exposure to protect brain health and curb the obesity epidemic.
With obesity and metabolic diseases rising globally, understanding how diet shapes brain circuits controlling feeding provides new targets for prevention and treatment strategies. Future research will explore mechanisms and potential reversibility of these brain impacts.
REFERENCE: Morys, F., Kanyamibwa, A., Fängström, D. et al. Ultra-processed food consumption affects structural integrity of feeding-related brain regions independent of and via adiposity. npj Metab Health Dis 3, 13 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44324-025-00056-3
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.