Eat more fruits and non-starchy vegetables to stay slim

Increased consumption of fruits and non-starchy vegetables is inversely associated with weight gain, says a study.

"Our findings support benefits of increased fruit and vegetable consumption for preventing long-term weight gain and provide further food-specific guidance for the prevention of obesity, a primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and many other health conditions," the study said.

The research, conducted by Monica Bertoia of Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, and colleagues, shows differences by type of fruit or vegetable, showed that starchy vegetables, for example peas and corn, were associated with weight gain.

The researchers examined associations between changes in the intake of specific fruits and vegetables recorded in dietary questionnaires and self-reported weight changes in 133,468 US men and women followed for up to 24 years.

After adjusting for self-reported changes in other lifestyle factors such as smoking status and physical activity, an increased intake of fruits and of several vegetables was found to be inversely associated with weight gain.

The study was published in the journal PLOS Medicine.