Macro partitioning
Ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption is positively associated with body fat percentage, independent of energy expenditure, age, sex, and economic development rank.
If you are trying to manage body fat, the type of food matters as much as the amount. Ultraprocessed foods are linked to higher body fat even when you account for how much you move. Prioritize whole, minimally processed foods to improve satiety and potentially reduce net energy absorption.
The percentage of ultraprocessed food in the diet was associated with body fat percentage, suggesting that dietary intake plays a far greater role than reduced energy expenditure in obesity related to economic development.
Why this rating
Strong association found, but limited to 25 populations with dietary data; cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
Source
Energy expenditure and obesity across the economic spectrum
Amanda McGrosky et al. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 2025
DOI 10.1073/pnas.2420902122
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