Chocoholics

This One Goes Out to the Chocoholics: Chocolate Consumption Linked to Lower BMI

Frequent chocolate consumption was associated with lower BMI in a cross-sectional study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Researchers assessed the chocolate intake of roughly 1000 healthy adults via food-frequency questionnaires. Although more frequent chocolate consumption was associated with higher intake of calories and saturated fat relative to less frequent consumption, chocolate intake was linked to lower BMI — even after adjustment for mood scores, activity, calories, and saturated fat.

Based on rodent studies, the authors speculate that catechins, derived from cocoa, may increase mitochondrial biogenesis and capillarity, muscle performance, and lean muscle mass. They conclude: "A randomized trial of chocolate for metabolic benefits in humans may be merited." Sign us up!

Archives of Internal Medicine article (Subscription required