Regular nut consumption tied to less weight gain

Eating more nuts is associated with less weight gain over time, according to an observational study in the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.

Researchers used food frequency questionnaire results from nearly 150,000 participants in the Nurses' Health Study (I and II) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Participants gained an average of 0.32 kg annually.

Over 4 years, an increase of half a serving of nuts per day was associated with 0.19 kg less weight gain after multivariable adjustment. Greater consumption of nuts was also linked to a 3% lower risk for becoming obese. Results were fairly consistent across different types of nuts.