A recent clinical trial published in Nature Medicine has found that diets consisting of minimally processed foods lead to twice the weight loss compared to diets based on ultra-processed foods, even when both diets follow national nutritional guidelines. The study involved adults in England with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40, who habitually consumed at least 50% of their calories from ultra-processed foods. Participants on the ultra-processed diet tended to eat more, yet still lost weight, but those consuming minimally processed meals lost weight at a faster rate. This research challenges industry claims about the healthiness of ultra-processed foods and suggests that swapping ultra-processed meals for home-cooked, whole food options can significantly enhance weight loss and improve cardiometabolic health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have highlighted the high consumption of ultra-processed foods in the United States, accounting for 53% of adult calories and 62% for children, linking these foods to chronic disease risks. Experts emphasize the need to reconsider dietary guidelines and public health strategies to address the impact of ultra-processed foods on health outcomes.