Trans fatty acids and weight gain

A. K. Thompson, A.-M. Minihane, C. M. Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

54 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Increasing rates of obesity have stimulated research into possible contributing factors, including specific dietary components such as trans fatty acids (TFAs). This review considers the evidence for an association between TFA intake and weight gain. It concludes that there is limited but consistent evidence from epidemiological studies, and from a primate model, that increased TFA consumption may result in a small additional weight gain. Data from a long-term study in a primate model suggest that TFA may have a greater adipogenic effect than cis monounsaturated fatty acids; however, there are currently inadequate mechanistic data to provide a comprehensive and plausible explanation for any such metabolic differences between the types of fatty acids.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)315-324
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of Obesity
Volume35
Issue number3
Early online date20 Jul 2010
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2011

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