Meat Linked to Obesity

A new study reported in the June 30, 2010 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that people with obesity who want some weight loss may cut back on their meat consumption.

The study led by Vergnaud A.C from School of Public Health, Imperial College Long in United Kingdom and colleagues from nine European countries showed that eating 250 grams of meat or one steak per day for a few years increased body weight by 2 kilograms.

For the study, the researchers followed for five years on average 103,455 men and 270,348 women aged 25 to 70 who participated in the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition-Physical Activity, Nutrition, Alcohol, Cessation of Smoking, Eating Out of Home and Obesity Project.

At baseline, participants were surveyed for their dietary habits and weight and height were measured.  Participants reported weight and height at follow-up.

Total meat consumption was positively associated with weight gain in men and women regardless of their smoking and weight status.  Positive associations were observed for red meat, poultry, and processed meat.

The researchers said in their report that meat is an energy-dense food, which is more likely than other foods to cause obesity.

The study suggest that reduced meat consumption may help obese people to lose weight.

By David Liu