A new global study reveals a striking contradiction, in that people in developed nations burn an excess of calories daily more than those living conventional lifestyles, yet they are significantly heavier. Even with regular exercise and increased calorie burning, obesity rates continue to climb. Weight loss isn’t just about shedding fat, it also involves losing muscle and water, prompting the body to slow its metabolism in response. Moreover, the type of food you eat affects how your body stores fat and energy.
The study overturns the common assumption that lack of physical activity drives obesity. Instead, it highlights ultra-processed foods as the primary cause. The key distinction lies not in movement levels, but in dietary choices.
Researchers identified a strong connection between increased intake of ultra-processed foods such as sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, and elevated body fat. These foods are more easily digested, causing the body to absorb more calories, and they may interfere with hunger cues, promoting overeating.
Instead of prioritizing increased exercise, the study indicates that addressing food choices and cutting back on ultra-processed food intake could be more successful approaches to fighting obesity. Ultra-processed foods, being highly appetizing and calorie-rich, often encourage overeating resulting in taking in more calories than expended.
This study emphasizes the importance of focusing on calorie intake. Excess body fat stems from consuming more calories than are burned. Since significantly changing calorie output is challenging, the key is to adjust the number of calories consumed. Improving food choices by increasing healthy, minimally processed foods and cutting back on ultra-processed foods may prove to be more effective.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Energy expenditure and obesity across the economic spectrum
