Your favorite snacks could be quietly wrecking your knees, new research suggests

A new study links high consumption of ultraprocessed foods, such as bacon and pre-packaged snacks, to increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. Researchers found that these foods correlate with thigh muscle fat accumulation, weakening knee support, even in individuals who are thin or active. The study, led by Dr. Zehra Akkaya of UCSF, analyzed data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative and found results published in the journal Radiology.