Researchers studied 924 adults to understand if food additives—like preservatives and artificial sweeteners found in processed foods—are connected to weight gain. They discovered that people who were overweight or obese ate more foods containing these additives compared to people at a healthy weight. Interestingly, people who followed a Mediterranean diet (lots of vegetables, fish, and olive oil) ate fewer foods with additives and had healthier weights. While the additives studied were within safe limits, the findings suggest that eating fewer ultra-processed foods might help with weight management.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether food additives (like preservatives, colorants, and artificial sweeteners) found in processed foods are connected to being overweight or obese
  • Who participated: 924 adults between ages 19 and 65 from different ethnic backgrounds living in the Tel-Hai region
  • Key finding: People who were overweight or obese ate significantly more foods containing preservatives (like sorbates and nitrites), stabilizers (like carrageenan), and artificial sweeteners (like aspartame) compared to people at healthy weights. About 33% of participants were overweight or obese.
  • What it means for you: Choosing fresh foods over ultra-processed foods with many additives may help with weight management. However, this study shows a connection, not proof that additives directly cause weight gain. Talk to your doctor before making major diet changes.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers looked at a large group of people at one point in time and compared their eating habits and weights. The 924 participants filled out a detailed questionnaire about their diet, listing 116 different foods they ate. Researchers calculated how much of various food additives each person consumed based on their food choices. They also measured body weight using BMI (a number that compares weight to height) and asked people about their lifestyle, exercise, and quality of life.

The researchers specifically looked at three types of additives: preservatives (chemicals that keep food fresh longer), stabilizers (chemicals that keep food texture consistent), and artificial sweeteners (fake sugar substitutes). They also checked how closely each person followed a Mediterranean diet, which is known to be healthy.

The study divided participants into two groups: those with a normal weight (BMI of 25 or less) and those who were overweight or obese (BMI over 25). Then they compared how much additive-containing food each group ate.

This approach is important because it lets researchers study real eating patterns in everyday life rather than in a controlled lab setting. By looking at many people at once, they can spot patterns and connections between food choices and weight. Understanding these connections helps public health experts make better recommendations about what people should eat.

This study has some strengths: it included a large number of people (924), included diverse ethnic backgrounds, and measured multiple types of additives. However, there are limitations to consider: people reported their own height and weight (which can be inaccurate), and the study only shows a connection between additives and weight, not that additives directly cause weight gain. The study was done in one region, so results might not apply everywhere. Additionally, this is a snapshot in time, so we don’t know if these patterns continue over months or years.

What the Results Show

The study found that about two-thirds of participants (622 people, or 67.3%) were at a healthy weight, while about one-third (302 people, or 32.7%) were overweight or obese. When researchers compared the two groups, they discovered clear differences in what they ate.

People who were overweight or obese consumed significantly more foods containing preservatives like sorbates and nitrites (chemicals used to keep meat and other foods fresh). They also ate more foods with stabilizers like carrageenan and sulfates (chemicals that keep foods thick or creamy). Most notably, they consumed more artificial sweeteners including aspartame, acesulfame K, and cyclamate (fake sugars used in diet drinks and sugar-free products).

All these differences were statistically significant, meaning they were unlikely to happen by chance. However, importantly, none of the participants exceeded the official safety limits for these additives set by health authorities.

The study also found that people who followed a Mediterranean diet more closely (eating more vegetables, fish, whole grains, and olive oil) ate fewer foods with additives and had lower rates of being overweight or obese.

The research also discovered that age and ethnicity were connected to both higher additive consumption and higher obesity rates. This suggests that different age groups and ethnic communities may have different eating patterns and access to different types of foods. These findings highlight that weight and diet are complex issues influenced by many factors beyond just individual food choices.

This study adds to growing evidence that ultra-processed foods—which contain many additives—may play a role in weight gain. Previous research has shown that eating more processed foods is connected to obesity, but this study specifically looks at the additives themselves. The findings support the idea that it’s not just the calories or nutrients in processed foods that matter, but also the additives they contain. The connection to the Mediterranean diet aligns with many other studies showing that this eating pattern supports healthier weights.

This study has several important limitations. First, it only shows that additive consumption and weight are connected—it doesn’t prove that additives cause weight gain. People who eat more processed foods might also exercise less, eat larger portions, or have other habits that affect weight. Second, people reported their own height and weight, which can be inaccurate. Third, the study was done in one region with a specific population, so results might not apply to all people everywhere. Fourth, the study looked at one moment in time, so we don’t know if these patterns stay the same over years. Finally, many factors affect weight beyond diet, including genetics, stress, sleep, and exercise, which weren’t fully explored in this study.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, consider reducing your intake of ultra-processed foods that contain many additives. Instead, choose fresh or minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil (following a Mediterranean-style diet). This recommendation has moderate confidence because the study shows a connection but doesn’t prove additives directly cause weight gain. If you’re concerned about your weight, talk to a doctor or registered dietitian who can give personalized advice.

This research is relevant for anyone interested in weight management or understanding their food choices. It’s especially important for people who regularly consume diet sodas, processed snacks, or heavily processed meals. Parents might find this helpful when thinking about what foods to serve their families. People with obesity or weight-related health conditions should discuss these findings with their healthcare provider. However, this study doesn’t apply to people who have specific medical conditions requiring particular additives or those with limited access to fresh foods.

If you start eating fewer processed foods and more fresh foods, you might notice changes in how you feel within a few weeks (more energy, better digestion). Weight changes typically take several weeks to months to become noticeable. For lasting results, aim for gradual changes you can stick with long-term rather than quick fixes.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track the number of ultra-processed foods (foods with ingredient lists longer than 5 items or containing unfamiliar chemical names) you eat each day. Aim to reduce this number by one item per week. Also track your weight weekly and note how you feel (energy level, digestion, mood).
  • Use the app to scan food labels and identify additives. Set a daily goal to eat at least one fresh, additive-free meal. Create a shopping list of Mediterranean diet foods (fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, olive oil) and check them off as you buy them.
  • Weekly, review how many processed foods you ate and compare it to the previous week. Monthly, assess changes in weight, energy levels, and how your clothes fit. Use the app to identify your most common sources of additives (like diet sodas or packaged snacks) and find healthier alternatives. Track your Mediterranean diet adherence score monthly to see if you’re moving toward healthier eating patterns.

This research shows a connection between food additives and weight gain, but does not prove that additives directly cause weight gain. Individual results vary based on genetics, lifestyle, and overall diet. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your weight, diet, or health, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider or registered dietitian who can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual health status and needs. Do not make significant dietary changes without discussing them with your doctor, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.