Researchers followed nearly 1,000 people over age 65 in Italy for more than 16 years to see how eating ultra-processed foods (like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food) affected their strength and ability to stay independent. They found that people who ate these foods more often became weaker and more frail as they aged compared to those who ate them less. The effect was small but consistent over many years, suggesting that cutting back on processed foods might help older adults stay stronger and healthier longer.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Does eating ultra-processed foods (packaged snacks, fast food, sugary drinks) make older people weaker and more frail?
  • Who participated: 938 people aged 65 and older living in Italy, followed for over 16 years. Those who ate the least processed food were younger, more educated, and healthier at the start.
  • Key finding: People who ate ultra-processed foods more often showed more signs of weakness and frailty. This pattern continued over the 16-year study period, even after accounting for other health factors.
  • What it means for you: Eating fewer ultra-processed foods may help older adults maintain strength and independence. However, this is one study, and individual results vary. Talk to your doctor about dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions.

The Research Details

This was a long-term follow-up study (called a cohort study) where researchers tracked the same group of older adults over time. At the beginning, they asked participants detailed questions about what they ate over the past year using a food questionnaire. They sorted foods into groups based on how processed they were, using a system called the Nova classification. Researchers then measured frailty using a 42-item checklist that looks at physical weakness, slowness, exhaustion, and other signs of decline.

The researchers measured frailty at the start of the study and then again over 16 years. They used statistical methods to see if people who ate more ultra-processed foods became frailer over time, while accounting for other factors like age, education, and existing health problems. This approach helps show whether the food itself might be causing the problem, not just that unhealthy people eat more junk food.

Following the same people over many years is powerful because it shows how habits affect health over time. By measuring frailty with a detailed checklist rather than just asking ‘do you feel weak?’, the researchers got accurate information. Adjusting for other factors (like age and education) helps isolate the effect of processed food itself.

This study has several strengths: a large sample size (938 people), a long follow-up period (16+ years), and careful measurement of both diet and frailty. However, the study only included people in Italy, so results might differ in other countries. The researchers relied on people remembering what they ate, which can be imperfect. The effect size was small but consistent, suggesting a real relationship rather than a fluke.

What the Results Show

People who ate ultra-processed foods more frequently had noticeably higher frailty scores at the beginning of the study. After adjusting for age, education, and other health factors, each increase in ultra-processed food consumption was linked to a meaningful increase in frailty. This relationship didn’t disappear over time—it actually persisted over the entire 16-year follow-up period, suggesting that the harmful effects of these foods accumulate or continue over years.

The statistical evidence was strong (p = 0.001 at baseline and p = 0.006 over time), meaning these findings are unlikely to be due to chance. The effect was consistent even when researchers accounted for many other factors that could affect frailty, like existing diseases, physical activity, and socioeconomic status.

Interestingly, people who ate the least ultra-processed food were younger and more educated at the start, suggesting that dietary choices may be linked to overall lifestyle and health awareness. However, the relationship between processed food and frailty held true even when these differences were taken into account.

The study found that baseline characteristics differed between groups: those eating fewer ultra-processed foods had better education levels and lower initial frailty scores. This suggests that healthy eating patterns may be part of a broader healthy lifestyle. The consistency of findings across the entire 16-year period indicates that the negative effects of ultra-processed foods don’t fade over time.

Previous research has shown that healthy eating patterns protect against frailty in older adults. This study adds important evidence by specifically focusing on ultra-processed foods and following people for a very long time. The findings align with other research showing that added sugars and saturated fats (common in ultra-processed foods) contribute to age-related weakness and decline.

The study only included Italian participants, so findings may not apply equally to other populations with different diets and genetics. Researchers asked people to remember what they ate over the past year, which can be inaccurate. The study shows association (foods and frailty go together) but cannot prove that ultra-processed foods directly cause frailty—other unmeasured factors could play a role. The effect size, while statistically significant, was relatively small, meaning individual variation is large.

The Bottom Line

Based on this evidence (moderate confidence), older adults should aim to reduce ultra-processed food consumption and eat more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This may help maintain strength and independence. Start by replacing one ultra-processed food per day with a whole food alternative. These changes are especially important for people over 65.

This research is most relevant to adults over 65 concerned about maintaining strength and independence. It’s also important for family members and caregivers of older adults. People with existing frailty or weakness should discuss dietary changes with their doctor before making major changes. Younger people should note that eating habits now may affect health later.

The effects of dietary changes on frailty develop over months to years, not days or weeks. You might notice improved energy and strength within 4-8 weeks of reducing processed foods, but major improvements in frailty markers typically take several months to a year. The study followed people for 16 years, suggesting long-term benefits require sustained dietary changes.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track ultra-processed food servings daily (aim for zero to minimal). Log specific items like packaged snacks, fast food, sugary drinks, and processed meats. Rate your energy level and physical function weekly on a 1-10 scale to monitor changes.
  • Set a goal to replace one ultra-processed food with a whole food alternative each week. For example: swap a packaged snack for fruit, replace a sugary drink with water, or choose grilled chicken instead of processed deli meat. Use the app to plan meals and set reminders for healthier choices.
  • Monthly, review your ultra-processed food consumption trends and energy/strength ratings. Every 3 months, assess whether you notice improvements in daily activities like climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or walking. Share trends with your healthcare provider to guide ongoing dietary adjustments.

This research suggests an association between ultra-processed food consumption and frailty in older adults, but does not prove that processed foods directly cause frailty. Individual results vary based on genetics, overall health, activity level, and other factors. Before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions, diabetes, heart disease, or take medications, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. If you experience symptoms of frailty such as persistent weakness, difficulty with daily activities, or unexplained weight loss, seek medical evaluation.