Study Links Ultraprocessed Foods to Muscle Fat Buildup

MRI scans show correlation between high intake of fast food, sugary drinks and salty snacks and increased fat accumulation in thigh muscles.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:05pm by

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An X-ray-style image revealing the internal structure of human thigh muscles, with areas of increased fat accumulation appearing as ghostly white glowing regions against a dark background.MRI scans show a correlation between high ultraprocessed food intake and increased fat buildup within muscle tissue.San Francisco Today

New research published in the journal Radiology suggests that a diet high in ultraprocessed foods may negatively impact musculoskeletal health by increasing fat accumulation within the muscles. The study utilized MRI scan data to identify a correlation between the intake of ultraprocessed foods, which include fast food, sugary drinks and salty snacks, and a greater buildup of fat in the thigh muscles of participants.

Why it matters

The research highlights the significant impact diet can have on musculoskeletal health, a fact that is less widely known than the established links between ultraprocessed foods and conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to support overall muscle composition and function.

The details

According to Dr. Thomas Link, the senior author of the study and chief of the musculoskeletal imaging section at the University of California San Francisco, ultraprocessed foods are typically characterized by high calorie counts and low levels of the vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients required to maintain healthy muscle tissue. The research highlights two distinct ways the body stores fat within muscles: intramuscular fat, which accumulates between muscle fibers, and intermuscular fat, which builds up between different muscle groups.

  • The study was published on April 14, 2026, in the journal Radiology.

The players

Dr. Thomas Link

The senior author of the study and chief of the musculoskeletal imaging section at the University of California San Francisco.

University of California San Francisco

The institution where the study was conducted.

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What they’re saying

“Diet has a significant impact on musculoskeletal health, a fact that is less widely known than the established links between these foods and diabetes or heart health.”

— Dr. Thomas Link, Senior Author of the Study

The takeaway

This study underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to support overall muscle composition and function, as a diet high in ultraprocessed foods can negatively impact musculoskeletal health by increasing fat accumulation within the muscles.