Ultra-processed foods harm men’s health. They increase weight, disrupt hormones, decrease testosterone, and introduce harmful substances linked to declining sperm quality. They contain industrial and synthetic ingredients. This may be why over the past 50 years, sperm quality has plummeted.

[u/mvea]

https://cbmr.ku.dk/news/2025/not-all-calories-are-equal-ultra-processed-foods-harm-mens-health/

[u/clyypzz]

This is most likely just one factor of the problem. Others might be a far more sedentary life and work, more pollution of new types such as endocrine disruptores like BPA, PFAS, lead, aluminium, and tons of other stuff plus social factors plus stress from a changing society and so on and so on

[u/jackloganoliver → u/clyypzz]

Yeah. I think in general modernization happened faster than we have been able to adapt, whether to new chemical compounds and foods or just to new modes of doing something like feeding ourselves in general.

Within the past two hundred years, our lives have changed so much that our day to day behaviors look nothing like our ancestors' just two generations ago, let alone the last 5-6.

We live the lives of a different species really. One far more sedentary and more mentally/emotionally/socially taxed than in the past. It's no wonder our bodies fail to meet the demands.

[u/StickStill9790 → u/jackloganoliver]

OTOH, the OP is suggesting that decreasing intake of chemical laden food might be a good place to start making improvements. Great to know there are a lot of factors, but you have to start somewhere.

[u/jackloganoliver → u/StickStill9790]

It's definitely a great place to start, as is just moving. Not even running, just walk and be active. Those two things alone should go a long way.

[u/citiclosethrowaway → u/jackloganoliver]

Man how far we've lowered the bar over the past two decades is astounding...

[u/jackloganoliver → u/citiclosethrowaway]

What do you mean?

[u/citiclosethrowaway → u/jackloganoliver]

Just seeing so many people saying that "Just moving your body is a huge improvement" is really disappointing. While factually correct, have we really gotten to the point in our society where just standing or walking is considered a HUGE WIN for one's health and fitness?! Don't get me wrong, any movement is a positive, but this sentiment is setting the bar so low. We need to strengthen our muscles and engage in physical activity that raises the heart rate... a walk just doesn't get you there.

[u/jackloganoliver → u/citiclosethrowaway]

I mean, yes, because for much of the world people don't need to hunt, gather, or farm for food. And that's not just super wealthy people like in the past. In parts of the world, you can basically hire out any actual physically demanding responsibility.

People moving consistently is absolutely a huge step for hundreds of millions of people.

[u/Ghostrider556 → u/jackloganoliver]

I agree with you and I think the studies are interesting in that they show regular and basic movement to be highly beneficial (cooking, cleaning, just walking around town or the house) whereas hardcore exercise might be fun but won’t really extend your lifespan

[u/jackloganoliver → u/Ghostrider556]

Yeah, I remember reading a study that suggested the health benefits (so not asthetic or athletic benefits) you get from just moving are essentially equal to that of hardcore exercise like lifting, training for decathalons, etc. so long as you're consistent with it. Essentially, *any* activity improves your health enough to make a difference.

That's not to say you can't see quality of life benefits from more strength, but that the health effects of basic exercise is enough to make a difference in people's lifespans. I think of all the people who never start because they don't think they can keep up with the hardcore fitness people, but they don't need to. Just being active, even around the house like you said, is good enough for most people.