Junk Food Starves the Brain

How Ultra-Processed Foods Affect Your Brain and Metabolism

A new large-scale study of more than 33,000 adults found that diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) do far more than expand our waistlines. They also appear to change key brain regions that help regulate hunger, cravings, and self-control.junk

UPFs include items such as packaged snacks, fast food, sweetened beverages, frozen meals, processed breads, and many commonly marketed “healthy” convenience foods. On average, participants in the study consumed nearly half their daily calories from UPFs.

Researchers discovered that higher UPF intake was linked to:

• Increased inflammation and insulin resistance

• Lower levels of healthy HDL cholesterol

• Higher body fat, including visceral fat

• Changes in brain structures that regulate eating behavior and reward

Some of these brain changes were related to weight gain and inflammation, while others occurred independently, suggesting that UPFs may directly impair brain health even before weight changes occur.

This creates a concerning cycle: ultra-processed foods can disrupt metabolic function and alter brain pathways that control appetite, potentially driving further overeating.

At Concord Longevity Medicine, we emphasize real, whole foods because they support metabolic balance, brain health, and long-term weight success. If you need help transitioning away from processed foods or want a personalized longevity-focused nutrition plan, our team is here to guide you.

LINK TO THE ARTICLE - https://www.nature.com/articles/s44324-025-00056-3