Daily consumption of meat can lead to weight gain long term, concludes a study conducted on 400,000 people from different European countries.
According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers did not differentiate between the poultry, veal, lamb, beef, pork and sausage.
"An increase in meat consumption of 250 grams per day is associated with weight gain of 2 kg over five years," says epidemiologist Anne-Claire Vergnaud.
This comprehensive study began in 1992. The link between weight gain and consumption of meat has been the subject of various studies for many years. However, the results of these studies are contradictory, adds Professor Arnaud Basdevant.
"For some, eating meat promotes weight gain. For others, because of their protein intake, it satisfies them faster and thus reduces the weight gain," she said.
"It should be noted that this weight gain was seen among subjects who were initially thinnest," adds Prof. Basdevant. "This raises questions, because this study is based on weights reported by participants and not measured by the authors. We know that overweight people tend to underestimate their weight, as they incorrectly assess their dietary intake. This may skew the results, " he adds.
There seems little doubt, however, that reducing out meat intake leads to all-around good health.