For weight loss, minimally processed diets beat ultra-processed versions

British researchers provided 55 adults who were overweight or obese (average age 43, 91% women) with meals for two diets. One diet emphasized minimally processed foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unprocessed meats, while the other consisted of ultra-processed foods often considered healthy, such as whole-grain breakfast cereals, flavored yogurt, and protein bars. Half the participants followed the minimally processed diet for two months, their normal diets for one month, and then the ultra-processed diet for two months. The other half followed the diets in the opposite order. All participants could eat as much as they wished.