Popcorn Supports Weight Loss, Satiety

SAN DIEGOEating a 100-calorie portion of low-fat popcorn helped dieters adhere to a reduced-calorie diet program while still feeling full and satisfied, according to new research presented Oct. 10 during the 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Obesity Society.

The study was conducted by Dr. James Rippe of the Rippe Lifestyle Institute and supported by ConAgra Foods Inc., maker of Orville Redenbachers popcorn.

According to the findings, study participants who consumed a 100-calorie portion of Orville Redenbacher's 94 percent fat-free SmartPop!® Butter or Kettle Corn varieties daily for 12 weeks, as part of a reduced-calorie diet with moderate cardiovascular exercise, lost an average of 13 pounds, reduced waist circumference two inches, lowered body mass index two points, and reduced body fat by 2 percent. At the end of the study, 97 percent of participants reported healthier snacking habits, and 73 percent said snacking on popcorn helped them feel more emotionally satisfied than their usual snacks. In conclusion, 94 percent of participants said the daily 100-calorie snack of 100 percent whole grain popcorn helped satisfy hunger and 85 percent credited SmartPop! with helping them stay on track with weight loss.

"When compared with other 100-calorie snacks, popcorn has several distinct advantages for controlling hunger which in turn can help prevent overeating and make losing weight easier," Rippe said. Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop! is 100-percent whole grain, a good source of fiber and low in fat. It's also a high-volume food meaning you can actually eat more since six cups of SmartPop! has less calories and fat than one cup of regular potato chips."