CIMMYT Series on Carbohydrates, Wheat, Grains, and Health: Carbohydrates, Grains, and Whole Grains and Disease Prevention. Part I. Body Weight and Obesity1,2 To address many current claims that discourage the ingestion of carbohydrates (CHOs), wheat, and cereal grains, as well as to celebrate the versatility, nutritional and health benefits, and contribution of these foods to the world food supply, we felt compelled to defend their role in the diet and write a series of reviews. The fourth review in the series assesses the health effects of consumption and overconsumption of CHOs, grains, and wheat and focuses on body weight maintenance and loss. In terms of weight gain, no one macronutrient is responsible. Overconsumption of any macronutrient can contribute to overweight by contributing to the intake of more calories than are expended. In addition, several prominent organizations have stated that the charge that diets higher in total CHO cause weight gain is not supported by the scientific evidence. A review of the literature discussing the findings from numerous epidemiological and intervention studies shows that grains and grain-based foods, when consumed as part of a healthy and balanced dietary pattern, may actually reduce the risk of weight gain, obesity, and related chronic diseases. Grains and grain-based foods, in fact, are not part of the problem, but rather can be part of the solution. In terms of preventing weight gain, both dietary fiber and whole grain appear to be associated with less weight gain, while the evidence to date is insufficient to associate refined grain products with a higher risk of obesity. |