What is the key finding of the UCL study on ultra-processed foods?

The UCL study found that people who ate a diet rich in minimally processed foods lost twice as much weight as those who consumed a lot of ultra-processed foods.

How does the minimally processed diet compare to the ultra-processed diet in terms of weight loss?

The minimally processed diet led to a 2.06% weight loss, while the ultra-processed diet resulted in only a 1.05% weight loss over the 8-week study period.

What other benefits did the UCL researchers find with the minimally processed diet?

The minimally processed diet also helped curb food cravings more effectively, though it had little impact on other health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol.

Home / Health / Minimally Processed Foods Supercharge Weight Loss, Study Finds

Minimally Processed Foods Supercharge Weight Loss, Study Finds

4 Aug

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Summary

Eating minimally processed foods leads to twice the weight loss
Diets high in ultra-processed foods have little impact on health markers
Minimally processed diet curbs food cravings more effectively

Minimally Processed Foods Supercharge Weight Loss, Study Finds

According to a study published on August 4, 2025, consuming a diet low in ultra-processed foods could significantly boost weight loss. The research, conducted by scientists at University College London, tracked 50 adults already consuming diets high in ultra-processed foods.

The participants were split into two groups and given eight-week diet plans. One group received meals made from minimally processed ingredients, such as overnight oats and spaghetti bolognese, while the other group got ultra-processed foods like breakfast bars and ready-made lasagna. After the first eight weeks, the groups switched diets.

The results showed that those on the minimally processed diet lost 2.06% of their body weight, compared to only a 1.05% loss for the ultra-processed diet group. Researchers also found that the minimally processed diet helped curb food cravings more effectively. However, there were no significant differences in blood pressure, heart rate, liver function, or cholesterol levels between the two diets.

The study's co-author, Dr. Samuel Dicken, noted that while ultra-processed foods have been linked to poor health outcomes, "not all ultra-processed foods are inherently unhealthy." He added that the findings suggest a minimally processed diet could lead to a 13% weight reduction in men and 9% in women over a year, compared to only 4-5% on an ultra-processed diet.

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