Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 3 hrs ago
Review finds nuts did not significantly increase weight in trials
A review of trials found that eating nuts did not significantly change body weight among adults who took part.
The review covered 154 articles representing 119 randomized trials, with 102 trials included in its main statistical analysis.
Researchers examined whole nuts, including tree nuts and peanuts, and grouped them by their fatty-acid profiles.
Both nut groups showed no significant change in weight, BMI or waist size compared with the control diets.
The review reported modest reductions in body fat despite no significant weight loss.
Participants reported eating about 120 more calories a day, but the trials did not establish why this did not lead to measurable weight gain.
These findings put concerns about weight gain in perspective, but they do not show that nuts will affect everyone in the same way.
A review of randomized trials found that nut consumption did not significantly change body weight, body mass index or waist circumference.
The review covered 154 articles representing 119 trials, with 102 trials included in the quantitative analysis.
Nut consumption was associated with an increase in reported energy intake of about 120 kcal per day.
The review also reported modest reductions in body fat, without significant weight loss.
Neither MUFA-rich nor PUFA-rich nuts significantly changed body weight, body mass index or waist circumference.
- Who
- Researchers reviewed trials involving adults who ate whole tree nuts or peanuts.
- What
- The review found no significant change in body weight, body mass index or waist circumference.
- When
- Published online in 2026; the review article was published on October 30, 2026.
- Where
- The review was published in the journal Foods.
- Why
- Researchers examined how nuts with different fatty-acid profiles affect body composition.
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- Articles reviewed
- 154
- Unique randomized controlled trials
- 119
- Trials in quantitative meta-analysis
- 102
- Median follow-up
- 21 weeks
- Reported energy-intake increase
- About 120 kcal per day
What people are saying
the trials did not establish why higher reported calorie intake did not produce measurable weight gain.