Eating Candy Doesnt Increase Obesity, CVD Risk

WASHINGTONGood news for candy lovers. Adults who consume candy at least every other day are no more likely to be overweight nor have greater risk factors for cardiovascular disease than people who eat candy once a week or even less than three times a month, according to a new study published in the Nutrition Journal.

Almost all adults (96%) reported eating candy, but there is variability in frequency and quantity consumed at a given time. Previous research has shown that candy consumers are not more likely to be overweight or have greater risk factors for chronic disease than non-consumers of candy.

Researchers at Exponent®, Inc., Center for Chemical Regulation & Food Safety, investigated associations between typical frequency of candy consumption and body weight status and select cardiovascular risk factors among adults in the United States.

They found that frequency of candy consumption was not associated with the risk of obesity, using objective measures such as BMI, waist circumference and skinfold thickness. Additionally, frequency of candy consumption was not associated with markers of cardiovascular disease risk including blood pressure, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin resistance. Frequency of candy consumption was based on analyses of food frequency questionnaires and data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)the most recent data set in which these food frequency questionnaires were availableof more than 5,000 U.S. adults ages 19 and older.

"We did not find an association between frequency of candy intake and BMI or cardiovascular risk factors among adults," said lead author Mary M. Murphy, MS, RD of Exponent, Inc., Center for Chemical Regulation & Food Safety.

The results suggest that most people are treating themselves to candy without increasing their risk of obesity or cardiovascular disease. More research is needed to further understand the role candy plays in life and the best tips for candy lovers to include their favorite treats as a part of a happy healthy lifestyle.

To find out how manufacturers are reducing both sugar and calories in sweets, check out the Slide Show: Confections for a Slimmer Society available free on Food Product Design.