Overweight People Snack Less, But Consume More Calories: Study

People who are overweight tend to eat fewer times a day than people who are normal weight, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Reuters reported that that's because even though overweight people eat less often, they are also consuming more calories each time they eat and aren't exercising to burn those off.

In the study, researchers from Marywood University looked at health data of overweight and normal weight adults taken from studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health, Reuters reported. The researchers found that, generally, the overweight people ate three meals and just over a snack a day, while normal-weight people ate three meals and just over two snacks a day, according to Reuters.

CBS News points out that people who had lost weight and kept it off snacked a few times a day and ate about 1,800 calories a day, while people who are of normal weight ate about 1,900 calories a day. However, people who were overweight in the study consumed more than 2,000 calories a day.

Participants who lost weight ate multiple snacks and consumed about 1,800 calories a day, and those who maintained a normal weight consumed about 1,900 calories.

The study comes on the heels of another study, also published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, that suggests that people with healthier diets also eat more snacks throughout the day.

In that study, researchers looked at health data of 11,209 adults who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, to find that people who snacked four times a day or more had higher "healthy diet" scores than people who said they never snacked, MyHealthNewsDaily reported.

However, don't let the word "snack" deceive you -- of course, an unhealthy snack isn't good for your health. A study published last year in the journal Health Affairs shows that today, snacks are adding an extra 168 calories onto kids' diets compared with kids in 1977, USA Today reported.

That study found that many of the snack calories are coming from things like salty foods, candy, sugar-sweetened drinks and cereals, according to USA Today.

And when you snack, be sure to eat mindfully. Here are some tips for avoiding mindless eating and excess calories.

RATE IT!   |  

VOTE

Doesn't work

Great idea

CURRENT TOP 5 PICK YOUR OWN TOP 5

USERS WHO VOTED

NEW! CREATE YOUR OWN SLIDESHOW

Comments

[Alexandra1973]

11:47 AM on 01/02/2012

It's not quantity, it's quality.

I had ankle surgery so it's been hard to get around. I changed my diet, started taking herbal supplements like kelp (iodine in it helps the thyroid) and not only am I dropping weight, but I'm able to get around more. It's a cycle. If you eat once a day and it's healthy stuff, then calories do not matter. Stop looking at the number of calories and start looking at the ingredients!

[Karl Wilder]

03:27 PM on 11/28/2011

I would have been bad at those studies because most of those things are not true for me. I never eat the first thing I see, would not have more than one taste of stale popcorn. When I serve myself I eat much less and due to an injury am eating with my left hand and not eating any less.

[AcesHighSays]

09:03 PM on 11/27/2011

The problem is that we don't know how to eat nutritiously bc the types of foods that are produced now changed from 20 yrs ago. Most of the food that is available is a chemistry experiment full of corn, preservatives, antibiotics and other additives.

[ThinkCreeps]

04:49 PM on 11/27/2011

It's a definition thing. Fat people don't report it as a snack, unless it's meal-sized.

[eva07]

05:53 PM on 11/27/2011

Biased much?

[StrawHat]

02:34 PM on 11/27/2011

If I had to eat with chopsticks in my left hand, I'd starve.

[Lamb443]

12:18 AM on 11/26/2011

Lamb443 Im going to bed now, I will rest easy, all things are in good hands, hope you do too. I look forward to watching my eating tommorrow while watching you in the big game! WIll pray for protection and a prosperous outing! I know you will do fabulous, you're that kind of man!! Sleep well, blessings!

[Melinda Kay]

10:10 AM on 11/25/2011

Here's a tip: You could stop publishing garbage articles that perpetuate stereotypes and get in touch with the idea that there are plenty of thin people who are unhealthy in the exact same way that some overweight people are. The difference is that overweight people are told it's their fault if they develop diabetes whereas thin people who develop it have "bad genes". Please. Overweight people receive subpar medical care because doctors refuse to look past the weight as a cause. I can't tell you how many times i've been patted on the head and told to "lose weight and I'll feel better." Guess what? I lost weight and I felt worse. Why? Because my problem had nothing to do with my weight and I am still dealing with the aftermath of going un-diagnosed for YEARS. Weight has nothing to do with health. NOTHING. It is a myth. (there are multiple studies to support this-look it up) The sooner people understand that the diet and beauty industries are simply milking the public into believing there's something wrong and ugly about them the healthier the nation will become. You don't take care of something that you hate. As long as the idea that overweight is ugly and people ought to be ashamed of themselves and hide themselves and hate themselves for being this way, the less likely it is that the so called epidemic will end.

[ThinkCreeps]

04:50 PM on 11/27/2011

And angry. I wouldn't like to see the blood pressure numbers.

[eva07]

05:50 PM on 11/27/2011

You sound like a despicable person..

[Karl Wilder]

03:30 PM on 11/28/2011

...and there are just as many studies showing that weight does give one a tendency towards bad health. You can find a study to support any viewpoint.

You need to forget studies and do what works for you. If you are healthy, great. If you are ever given supbar medical care then advocate for better care.

The fact is weight does have something to do with health, but not everything.

I wish you health.

[Alvarask]

05:02 AM on 11/25/2011

Any so-called experts who suggest that people can "burn off" the calories they eat are clearly out of touch with reality.

[Minnesota Black]

01:58 PM on 11/27/2011

How is that? I don't understand what you mean.

[ThinkCreeps]

04:51 PM on 11/27/2011

There is indeed a limit. You must consume fewer calories in 24 hours than you can use up in sprinting for 24 hours.

[Okey Umez]

12:43 AM on 11/25/2011

I refuse to count calories. Where is the joy in enjoying a good meal when you have to count calories before you indulge. Dont get me wrong, i do not recommend binge eating and dont believe in late night snacks. A reasonable amount of exercise a day is always a good thing for everyone. Citizens should demand their political leaders establish safe walk paths in their communities. Most people cannot afford gym memberships.

[Fromageball]

11:13 AM on 11/25/2011

I don't count calories either - it's all about mindful eating. I've never had a weight problem but like most people I am uncomfortable if I eat too much. Now I pay attention to when I start to feel full and then I stop eating regardless of whether food is still on the plate.

[Okey Umez]

11:29 AM on 11/25/2011

You deserve an "Amen" for your post!!.

[sabelmouse]

11:35 AM on 11/25/2011

save walking. great point. one shouldn't have to go to the gym for exorcise.