A new study conducted in Italy identified that pasta does not influence obesity; rather, it correlates with a reduced body mass index (BMI).
Pasta is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. The Department of Epidemiology, I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed in Pozzilli, Italy, surveyed over 23,000 people that consume it and evidence found the contrary.
These findings, however, only found an association between pasta consumption and lowered BMI not a cause for it. Italians also eat smaller portions compared to American diets and is usually a first not a main course.
“By analyzing anthropometric data of the participants and their eating habits” says co-author of the study George Pounis in a news release, “we have seen that consumption of pasta, contrary to what many think, is not associated with an increase in body weight, rather the opposite. Our data show that enjoying pasta according to individuals’ needs contributes to a healthy body mass index, lower waist circumference and better waist-hip ratio.”
Also of note, the study was subsidized by Barilla, a major pasta producer, and the Italian government. Investigators revealed no conflict of interest.
Source: Time.com