A New Trial Studies the Effect of Avocado Intake on Risk Factors for Chronic Disease, Including Body Composition and Belly Fat.

Rates of obesity and severe obesity continue to rise in our country. More specifically in 2015-2016, 59% of adults in the U.S. have abdominal obesity, as measured by waist circumference. The proportion of the population with this type of obesity has increased significantly since 2000 – which is concerning because excess belly fat increases the risk of developing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

We know that a combination of healthy dietary changes and increased physical activity can prevent weight gain and promote weight loss in overweight and obese adults. Dietary fiber adds bulk to the diet and can help with satiety and weight management. Avocados are a good source of dietary fiber.

Research conducted by ANC with 105 overweight-obese adults suggests that eating one avocado per day for 12 weeks can positively affect visceral adiposity in women. While more research is needed to generalize the results to all people, the study adds to a growing body of evidence studying the weight management effects of eating avocados.