Core Viewpoint - The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is significantly increasing globally, which is linked to various negative health outcomes, particularly in male reproductive and metabolic health [2][4][10]. Group 1: Health Impacts of Ultra-Processed Foods - UPF consumption is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, certain cancers, and mental health issues [2]. - A notable decline in male semen quality has been observed globally, with sperm counts decreasing by approximately 60% since the 1970s, potentially linked to the rise in UPF consumption [6]. - The recent study confirms that UPF negatively impacts male reproductive and cardiovascular metabolic health, regardless of caloric intake [4][10]. Group 2: Research Findings - The study utilized a controlled 2×2 crossover design to assess the effects of UPF on reproductive and metabolic health, indicating that the harmful effects of UPF are not solely due to increased caloric intake [6][8]. - Key hormonal levels involved in energy metabolism and sperm production, such as GDF15 and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), were found to be altered due to UPF consumption [7][8]. - There was a significant increase in serum levels of phthalates (cxMINP), which are endocrine disruptors, following UPF consumption, while lithium levels in plasma decreased, correlating with mood disorders and cognitive decline [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is leading to a significant increase in chronic diseases globally, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, with alarming trends observed particularly in China [5][8][11]. Group 1: Global Impact of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages - A study published in *Nature Medicine* analyzed health data from 118 countries and found that in 2020, SSBs were responsible for 220,000 new cases of type 2 diabetes (T2D), accounting for 9.8% of global new cases, and 120,000 new cases of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), representing 3.1% [8][9]. - The research also indicated that SSBs were linked to approximately 340,000 deaths globally, with T2D-related deaths at 80,278 and CVD-related deaths at 257,962 [8][9]. Group 2: The Situation in China - A study by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that from 1990 to 2019, deaths related to SSB consumption in China surged by 95%, rising from a low base to 46,633 deaths in 2019 [11]. - The proportion of deaths attributable to SSBs increased from 0.34% to 0.46%, indicating that nearly 1 in every 200 deaths is directly related to these beverages [11]. - Ischemic heart disease (IHD) and diabetes were identified as the two leading causes of death linked to SSBs, with IHD-related deaths reaching 42,098 in 2019, reflecting a 95% increase over 30 years [12]. Group 3: Health Risks Associated with SSBs - A long-term study published in *The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition* found that daily consumption of over 500ml of SSBs increases the risk of asthma by 19% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk by 53% [13][14]. - The study also highlighted that artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) pose even greater risks, with a 34% increase in COPD risk and a 10% increase in asthma risk for those consuming two cups daily [13][14].