Study reveals weight loss benefits of minimally processed foods over ultra-processed foods
Shreeaa Rathi | Aug 04, 2025, 18:36 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
A groundbreaking study from University College London has unveiled that individuals shed pounds more effectively when opting for minimally processed foods. Participants who embraced diets centered around whole foods experienced weight loss rates that were twice as significant compared to those consuming ultra-processed items like granola bars.
A new study from University College London reveals that people lose weight faster on a diet of minimally processed foods. This is true even when both diets are considered healthy. Participants in the study followed standard dietary advice for eight weeks. Those eating minimally processed foods lost twice as much weight as those eating ultra-processed foods. This could spark a debate among food producers, policymakers, and health experts.
The study compared the effects of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and minimally processed foods (MPF) in real-world conditions. Participants ate balanced diets with both types of food. Examples of UPF include granola bars and ready-meal lasagne. MPF examples are overnight oats and home-made spaghetti bolognese. The MPF diet led to a 2% weight loss on average. The UPF diet only resulted in a 1% loss.
The food industry has actively resisted UPF research. They argue that the nutritional content matters more than processing. However, this trial shows that less processed food may be better for weight loss. This is true even when following national guidelines for nutrients.
Samuel Dicken, the study's first author, noted the significance of the findings. He said that even a small reduction over eight weeks is important. Chris van Tulleken, another researcher, emphasized the role of food processing. He also highlighted the importance of nutrients. He said we need to focus on the environmental factors that cause obesity.
The US may soon advise people to eat minimally processed foods. Current guidelines in the UK and US do not address UPFs. Dicken estimates that over a year, people on an MPF diet could see a much larger weight reduction. Carlos Monteiro, who coined the term "ultra-processed foods," believes health advisory committees should reconsider their recommendations. He thinks they should include UPF reduction in dietary advice. In the UK, over half of all food eaten is ultra-processed. Monteiro stated that even "healthy" UPFs can be harmful.
The study compared the effects of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and minimally processed foods (MPF) in real-world conditions. Participants ate balanced diets with both types of food. Examples of UPF include granola bars and ready-meal lasagne. MPF examples are overnight oats and home-made spaghetti bolognese. The MPF diet led to a 2% weight loss on average. The UPF diet only resulted in a 1% loss.
The food industry has actively resisted UPF research. They argue that the nutritional content matters more than processing. However, this trial shows that less processed food may be better for weight loss. This is true even when following national guidelines for nutrients.
Samuel Dicken, the study's first author, noted the significance of the findings. He said that even a small reduction over eight weeks is important. Chris van Tulleken, another researcher, emphasized the role of food processing. He also highlighted the importance of nutrients. He said we need to focus on the environmental factors that cause obesity.
The US may soon advise people to eat minimally processed foods. Current guidelines in the UK and US do not address UPFs. Dicken estimates that over a year, people on an MPF diet could see a much larger weight reduction. Carlos Monteiro, who coined the term "ultra-processed foods," believes health advisory committees should reconsider their recommendations. He thinks they should include UPF reduction in dietary advice. In the UK, over half of all food eaten is ultra-processed. Monteiro stated that even "healthy" UPFs can be harmful.