How do you lose weight? You’ve probably heard many different strategies. Low-carb… low-fat… low-sugar… high-protein, or just to eat less. However, leading experts in the field believe that weight loss isn’t as simple as these fad diets claim. A new study really hammers home that point.
The Study:
The study followed 4,646 kids between the ages of 7 and 13 over 10 years. Each child’s consumption of 27 food groups and his/ her weight fluctuations were tracked over the course of 3 years. The researchers discovered which foods were most associated with weight (orange bars) and more importantly, the change in consumption of which foods was associated with weight loss/ gain (blue bars).
The only foods that were associated with significant weight loss were high-fiber breakfast cereals and whole grains. In contrast, coated (breaded or battered) poultry & fish, processed meats, french fries & roasted potatoes, fat spread (butter or margarine), sugar sweetened beverages, potato chips, other meats, milk, and desserts & sweets were most associated with weight gain.
Conclusion:
A previous study on adults similarly found that potato chips, fries, processed meat, red meat, butter, sweets and desserts, refined grains, sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice led to the most weight gain. So, avoid these foods and eat more fiber if you’re trying to lose weight. Good luck!
Citation:
Dong, Di, et al. “Consumption Of Specific Foods And Beverages And Excess Weight Gain Among Children And Adolescents.” Health Affairs 34.11 (2015): 1940-1948.