New Study on Red Meat and Obesity Shows No Link

Recent beef checkoff-funded research adds to a growing body of evidence reinforcing the important role fresh beef plays in a healthy, sustainable diet.

Animal-sourced foods like red meat are often associated with obesity risk.  However, Texas Tech University researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of available research on the relationship between unprocessed red meat intake and obesity, finding no significant effect of such intake on weight gain or related metabolic issues in adults.

The researchers found that beef contains high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, and people enjoy it as a key source of nourishment, but they’re often discouraged from consuming red meat based on recommendations primarily driven by observational evidence.

Beef Can't Be Blamed For Increase In Obesity

“Beef contains high-quality protein and other essential nutrients and people enjoy this key source of nourishment – yet they’re often discouraged to consume red meat based on recommendations primarily driven by observational evidence,” noted the lead researcher, Nikhil V. Dhurandhar, chair of the Department of Nutritional Sciences and associate dean for innovation for the College of Health & Human Sciences.  “Our study is the first to fully review the totality of causative evidence, which shows no protective or adverse effect of unprocessed red meat intake on obesity.

“As such, while unprocessed red meat consumption has declined in the U.S., the prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease has skyrocketed – which makes a poor case for the role of beef in promoting the obesity epidemic," he added.

The Texas Tech study indicated there is no protective or adverse effect of unprocessed red meat intake on obesity.

The NCBA and the Texas Beef Council funded the research.

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