Meat consumption linked to weight gain

[nathan183]

This study suggests that eating meat leads to weight gain, even when variables such as total caloric intake are controlled for.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20592131

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Meat intake may be related to weight gain because of its high energy and fat content. Some observational studies have shown that meat consumption is positively associated with weight gain, but intervention studies have shown mixed results. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the association between consumption of total meat, red meat, poultry, and processed meat and weight gain after 5 y of follow-up, on average, in the large European population who participated in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Physical Activity, Nutrition, Alcohol, Cessation of Smoking, Eating Out of Home and Obesity (EPIC-PANACEA) project. Design: A total of 103,455 men and 270,348 women aged 25-70 y were recruited between 1992 and 2000 in 10 European countries. Diet was assessed at baseline with the use of country-specific validated questionnaires. A dietary calibration study was conducted in a representative subsample of the cohort. Weight and height were measured at baseline and self-reported at follow-up in most centers. Associations between energy from meat (kcal/d) and annual weight change (g/y) were assessed with the use of linear mixed models, controlled for age, sex, total energy intake, physical activity, dietary patterns, and other potential confounders. RESULTS: Total meat consumption was positively associated with weight gain in men and women, in normal-weight and overweight subjects, and in smokers and nonsmokers. With adjustment for estimated energy intake, an increase in meat intake of 250 g/d (eg, one steak at approximately 450 kcal) would lead to a 2-kg higher weight gain after 5 y (95% CI: 1.5, 2.7 kg). Positive associations were observed for red meat, poultry, and processed meat. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a decrease in meat consumption may improve weight management.

Any ideas why these results might have been observed? Is the study flawed, perhaps due to the fact that it`s mostly self-reported? Or does meat really cause weight gain?

[aer_vlad]

I would say this is common sense:


Meat intake may be related to weight gain because of its high energy and fat content.

Well yes, if you consume more energy then you use, you'll gain weight. And I think it logically follows that if you limit your food choices, that is, limit your food intake, then one would consume less energy and subsequently lose weight.

Meat, high in fat, and therefore; calories, is much more energy dense than vegetables for example. I think it's unfair to blame weight gain to meat per se, but rather our gluttonous nature - meat, in moderation, is fine.

[nathan183]

I would say this is common sense:



Well yes, if you consume more energy then you use, you'll gain weight. And I think it logically follows that if you limit your food choices, that is, limit your food intake, then one would consume less energy and subsequently lose weight.

Meat, high in fat, and therefore; calories, is much more energy dense than vegetables for example. I think it's unfair to blame weight gain to meat per se, but rather our gluttonous nature - meat, in moderation, is fine.

That was just background information. The study actually controlled for caloric intake, and meat was still correlated with (fairly modest) weight gain.

[thegymbum]

I would assume it's just that the consumption of more meat is associated with the consumption of overall calories, aka intake of excess energy and weight gain. For example, people on a vegetarian diet tend to take in less calories overall because plant protein sources are often low calorie (beans, legumes, soy), so they end up gaining less weight. Look at the portion sizes at a restaurant- steaks are often 4 times the amount of calories you need, hamburgers are rich in calories and grease and fat. It just makes sense that people who eat more overall are going to eat more meat and weigh more.

[nathan183]

I would assume it's just that the consumption of more meat is associated with the consumption of overall calories, aka intake of excess energy and weight gain. For example, people on a vegetarian diet tend to take in less calories overall because plant protein sources are often low calorie (beans, legumes, soy), so they end up gaining less weight. Look at the portion sizes at a restaurant- steaks are often 4 times the amount of calories you need, hamburgers are rich in calories and grease and fat. It just makes sense that people who eat more overall are going to eat more meat and weigh more.

They controlled for overall calorie consumption and meat eaters still gained more weight. That implies that if two people were eating 2500 Calories each, the one who ate more meat would gain more weight.

[BumbleBuzz]

They controlled for overall calorie consumption and meat eaters still gained more weight. That implies that if two people were eating 2500 Calories each, the one who ate more meat would gain more weight.

What did the macros look like for each? Changes in carbs/protein/fat intake would certainly play a factor.

[zerocoolflo]

as you thought....
self reported calorie intake = alot of room for error ( we are humans...we make mistakes..ALOT) and also it's demonstrated that in self reported studies, the intake reported is flawed...
si IMHO the study fails to show that more meat consumption = > weight gain

[nathan183]

as you thought....
self reported calorie intake = alot of room for error ( we are humans...we make mistakes..ALOT) and also it's demonstrated that in self reported studies, the intake reported is flawed...
si IMHO the study fails to show that more meat consumption = > weight gain

This is my thought as well. Someone eating a lot of meat is more likely to under-report, not realizing how many calories are in meat. Whereas someone eating a lot of vegetables might over-report, thinking that they`re eating a lot when their food actually has very few calories.

[EmperorRyker]

This is my thought as well. Someone eating a lot of meat is more likely to under-report, not realizing how many calories are in meat. Whereas someone eating a lot of vegetables might over-report, thinking that they`re eating a lot when their food actually has very few calories.
Yeah, this could confound the study's findings in a significant way. Plus, they didn't seem to control for energy expenditure, as lots of times people eating less meat also lead healthier, more active lifestyles. With such a large sample, however, that perhaps evens out. Still, it is a consideration.

[malibu2008]

3. Protein requires more energy to be metabolised than carbs or fat, leaving fewer calories (post digestion and metabolism) to be stored as fat and a greater liklihood that the body will subsequently have to burn its own fat stores.
.

excess protein is not always a good thing, and usually excess protein in an already cal-deficient diet will cause more harm than good. taking your same 'reason' it is good is the SAME reason it is bad. the extra energy you body needs to process the excess aminos and protein causes upshots in cortisol and screws with both your thyroid and adrenals. ANY dieter notices that eventually more and more cal deficiets lead to a lower BMR which is not what you want. you dont need your body running overtime processing nutrient.


protein is the hardest nutrient for the body to handle. excess of it is not good for the bdy itself. it comes down to calories yes, but given most people(esp bodybuilders) past and dieting attempts/routines set you up for horrendous metabolic problems. more protein wont do anything to aid that

[in10city]

This study suggests that eating meat leads to weight gain, even when variables such as total caloric intake are controlled for.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20592131

Abstract:


Any ideas why these results might have been observed? Is the study flawed, perhaps due to the fact that it`s mostly self-reported? Or does meat really cause weight gain?
I posted this in another thread about the study.


Based upon the data, I think the conclusion that eating more meat = more weight gain is misleading. Eating more meat was associated with greater self-reported calorie intake too here. Also keep in mind that correlation does not imply causation.

http://i29.tinypic.com/20ap3ky.jpg

[Opies]

excess protein is not always a good thing, and usually excess protein in an already cal-deficient diet will cause more harm than good. taking your same 'reason' it is good is the SAME reason it is bad. the extra energy you body needs to process the excess aminos and protein causes upshots in cortisol and screws with both your thyroid and adrenals. ANY dieter notices that eventually more and more cal deficiets lead to a lower BMR which is not what you want. you dont need your body running overtime processing nutrient.


protein is the hardest nutrient for the body to handle. excess of it is not good for the bdy itself. it comes down to calories yes, but given most people(esp bodybuilders) past and dieting attempts/routines set you up for horrendous metabolic problems. more protein wont do anything to aid that

[No Sources Cited]

the advanced nutrition forum is for scientific discussion; it is not for nonsensical theories, baseless rants, or bro-science.



protein is the hardest nutrient for the body to handle. excess of it is not good for the bdy itself.

Considering that our digestive tract is extraordinarily similar to that of carnivores, it's safe to say that we handle high protein intake quite aptly.

moving on...

[EmperorRyker]

excess protein is not always a good thing, and usually excess protein in an already cal-deficient diet will cause more harm than good. taking your same 'reason' it is good is the SAME reason it is bad. the extra energy you body needs to process the excess aminos and protein causes upshots in cortisol and screws with both your thyroid and adrenals. ANY dieter notices that eventually more and more cal deficiets lead to a lower BMR which is not what you want. you dont need your body running overtime processing nutrient.


protein is the hardest nutrient for the body to handle. excess of it is not good for the bdy itself. it comes down to calories yes, but given most people(esp bodybuilders) past and dieting attempts/routines set you up for horrendous metabolic problems. more protein wont do anything to aid that
What the hell, I didn't say any of what you've quoted me as saying.

[ucsumma]

In terms of self-reporting, there is obvious potential for misrepresentation but it wouldn't have an overall negative impact in the study. Given the significant sample size (100K+ respondents), any misrepresentations would be ironed out (e.g., X people over-reporting offset by Y people under-reporting).

As far as the conclusions:
With adjustment for estimated energy intake, an increase in meat intake of 250 g/d (eg, one steak at approximately 450 kcal) would lead to a 2-kg higher weight gain after 5 y (95% CI: 1.5, 2.7 kg).

They are claiming that all thing being equal, someone who over-indexes in meat consumption would gain 2.7 kg/4.4 pds after 5 years. That doesn't seem substantial IMO.

Also, weight gain could be attributed to increases in muscle mass vs. fat - does anyone know if there is a body composition aspect to the study?

[Crusher_]

Do you know what the biggest contributing factor to weight gain is?


















Eating food Brian.. :|

[determined4000]

If you go country by country, you will find countries with higher meat consumptions are fatter because they are richer and can afford/eat more food period.
The problem in this country isnt eating too much meat, it is eating too much. More significantly all the packaged and processed crap that leaves people still hungry and wanting more instead of higher protein diets.

[bejetah]

If you go country by country, you will find countries with higher meat consumptions are fatter because they are richer and can afford/eat more food period.
The problem in this country isnt eating too much meat, it is eating too much. More significantly all the packaged and processed crap that leaves people still hungry and wanting more instead of higher protein diets.

Exactly

Compare eating chicken nuggets and fries to rice and veggies (for example, the typical diet in the US vs. in China) Which leads to more weight gain?

And in addition, i find that most "meat lovers" go for meats like pork ribs, steak, fried chicken ... I am pretty sure chicken breast or fish is not linked to weight gain :D

[Quikfeet509]

Compare eating chicken nuggets and fries to rice and veggies (for example, the typical diet in the US vs. in China) Which leads to more weight gain?


That's a bit of an oversimplification. Plus, what is the "typical Chinese diet"?


From what I saw when I was over there, the diet varied widely.

[Marius_Ursus]

Last month there was a link between eating red meat and losing weight.

Just sayin'.