A Spanish observational study seems to confirm suspicions that high intakes of fried food are associated with obesity.

Researchers from Madrid followed up nearly 34,000 Spanish adults between 1992 and 1996 to assess whether particular dietary intakes related to the risk of developing obesity. Data were collected at regular intervals on diet, weight and waist circumference.

It was found that 28% of subjects were obese (body mass index >= 30). A greater proportion of subjects (almost 35% men and 43% women) had a waist circumference in excess of healthy limits. When intakes of fried foods were considered, those with the highest intakes were 25% more likely to be obese than those with the lowest intakes. There was a similar relationship between high consumption of fried foods and waist circumference.

It was concluded that high intakes of fried foods were a risk factor for obesity and central body fat deposition in this large sample of Spanish adults.

For more information, see
Guallar-Castillan P et al (2007). Intake of fried foods is associated with obesity in the cohort of Spanish adults from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 86, pp 98-205.

EUFIC related material:
Diet-related diseases-Obesity
Nutrition-Fats
Health & Lifestyle-Healthy eating