r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • 10d ago

Health 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.

https://cbmr.ku.dk/news/2025/not-all-calories-are-equal-ultra-processed-foods-harm-mens-health/
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u/StickStill9790 10d ago

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.

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u/jackloganoliver 10d ago

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.

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u/citiclosethrowaway 10d ago

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

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u/jackloganoliver 9d ago

What do you mean?

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u/citiclosethrowaway 9d ago

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.

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u/jackloganoliver 9d ago

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.

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u/Ghostrider556 8d ago

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

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u/jackloganoliver 7d ago

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.