Potato chips could be the worst food associated with weight gain, according to a recent joint study by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Schools of Medicine and Public Health.
The study, published online today (June 23) in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows that nearly half of the average weight gain over a four year period can be attributed to eating more potato chips over time.
Other foods near the top of the list included potatoes, sugar-sweetened beverages, red meat, and processed meats.
As to be expected, foods most associated with weight loss included yogurt, nuts, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables.
The analysis reviewed data from more than 120,000 men and women, with an average weight gain of 3.35 lb during each four year period, adding up to 16.8 lb over 20 years.
Researchers claim that there is no magic formula for weight loss. A single ingredient cannot fix everything, but calories do make a difference, and healthy eating combined with regular exercise is the best guarantee of weight loss.
It was noted that other lifestyle habits played a role in long-term weight gain, including daily alcohol consumption, having recently quit smoking, and television watching.