Weighing in on Whole Grains: A Review of Evidence Linking Whole Grains to Body Weight

Abstract

U.S. dietary guidelines support the consumption of whole grains in lieu of refined grains. On January 31, 2011, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 (DGA) was released. With respect to grains, the 2010 DGA recommends that individuals “consume at least half of all grains as whole grains” and “increase whole-grain intake by replacing refined grains with whole grains.” Whole grains are an important source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other components that are thought to play a variety of roles in maintaining and improving health, including body weight, which is among the top public and individual health concerns in America. To date, few prospective observational studies have examined the relationship between whole-grain intake and development of obesity; however, these studies point to an inverse relationship between whole-grain intake and body weight or prospective weight gain. A small number of intervention studies have examined the effects of whole grains on body weight and adiposity. Although the results of these studies are mixed, they tend to report no changes in body weight. Further research is needed on the effect of whole grains, as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, on body fat distribution.