Macro partitioning
Higher intake of processed ingredients (PI), such as oils, sugars, and flours, is consistently associated with lower body weight and reduced odds of obesity, whereas ultra-processed food (UPF) intake shows no significant association with body weight markers.
Focus on the type of food rather than just its processing level. This study suggests that diets higher in processed ingredients (like oils, sugars, and flours used in cooking) were associated with lower body weight, while ultra-processed snacks showed no link to weight. Prioritize whole foods for nutrient density, but do not fear basic processed ingredients.
Only higher intake of PI was consistently, inversely, associated with body weight... There were no significant associations between intake of MPF or UPF and markers of body weight.
Why this rating
Cross-sectional design limits causal inference, but the large sample size (n=2174) and individual-level data strengthen the association findings.
Source
Characterisation of UK diets according to degree of food processing and associations with socio-demographics and obesity: cross-sectional analysis of UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–12)
Jean Adams et al. · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2015
DOI 10.1186/s12966-015-0317-y
Related findings · Macro partitioning
- Total daily protein intake of 1.6 g/kg/day is sufficient for maximizing resistance training-induced muscle gains, with an upper confidence interval of 2.2 g/kg/day.Strong
- Resistance exercise training combined with sufficient dietary protein intake acts synergistically to maximize skeletal muscle hypertrophy, with protein intake saturating around 1.6 g/kg/day for general populations and potentially requiring 2.0-2.2 g/kg/day for resistance-trained individuals.Strong
- Trans fats should be completely eliminated from the diet, as they increase LDL cholesterol, decrease HDL cholesterol, and are directly associated with increased coronary risk.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →