A recent study presented at the Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago highlights a potential risk factor for knee osteoarthritis: high consumption of ultra-processed foods. This study observed significant intramuscular fat deposits in individuals consuming these diets, correlating with increased risk despite calorie intake or activity levels.
Ultra-processed foods, which are convenient and inexpensive, are high in sugar, fats, additives, and preservatives. They often include five or more ingredients and focus more on flavor than nutritional value. The study analyzed MRI images of 666 participants, averaging 60 years old, with none displaying osteoarthritis at the time.
Lead author Zehra Akkaya, MD, noted the presence of fatty degeneration in muscles, reporting that intramuscular fat replaces muscle fibers. This phenomenon may contribute to weaker muscles, increasing vulnerability to joint issues like osteoarthritis.
While the research is not yet peer-reviewed, it builds on existing studies linking thigh muscle fat replacement with reduced knee function. External experts suggest that the sugar and refined fats in these foods trigger inflammatory responses, worsening pain and potentially accelerating osteoarthritis progression.
Experts, including Gowri Reddy Rocco, MD, emphasize that ultra-processed foods increase adipose and visceral fat, leading to inflammation and insulin resistance. Eliminating these foods from one’s diet could regenerate muscle strength and aid cartilage protection, although joint damage might be irreversible.
Risk factors for knee osteoarthritis include poor diet, inactivity, obesity, and excessive weight on joints. Obesity is increasingly affecting younger individuals, straining joints early on. Other contributors are menopause and repetitive movements, which further stress joints, according to Paul Arciero, MS.
Detection of intramuscular fat can be done via circumference measures, skinfolds, and bioelectrical impedance analysis, though iDXA scans provide a more precise measure but require specialized equipment. Arciero advocates for a preventive approach through healthy eating to combat fat accumulation, especially in the abdomen, hips, and thighs.
Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is essential in preventing knee osteoarthritis. Reducing intake of ultra-processed foods may strengthen muscles and protect joint health, highlighting the importance of dietary choices in mitigating health risks.
Source: Medicalnewstoday
