Study Suggests Oatmeal is Best for Weight Loss

A study by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition compared the satiety levels of ready to eat breakfast cereal with oatmeal in order to determine which would be better for appetite control.

The study, which took place at Louisiana State University, compared the appetite of 48 individuals. These individuals were healthy, over the age of 18, and participated in an overnight fast the night before.

For the study, participants were fed Quaker Old Fashioned Oatmeal and Honey Nut Cheerios. Both breakfast items provide the same amount of calories and both claim to be good for heart health. A large difference between the cereals, however, is the amount of soluble fiber and protein.

The study shows that the soluble fiber in oatmeal is the key to its ability to keep people feeling full longer. Beta glucan has physiochemical properties that interact with the body to indicate satiety.

Satiety is the state of feeling full, and it is a powerful tool in weight loss programs. When an individual consumes foods that make them feel full, they are less likely to continue eating. By choosing healthy foods that do this, you are able to manage your calorie intake easier. The article on Web MD, Satiety: The New Diet Weapon, talks about how satiety can be used to effectively lose weight.

The study also reported differences in viscosity as being one of the reasons why oatmeal kept study participants feeling more satisfied longer. Viscosity refers to texture, with oatmeal having a noticeably different texture than cereals such as Honey Nut Cheerios.

Appetite control is not a new concept in weight loss and weight management. Appetite control supplements are widely available and used by the public to curb hunger. Inappropriate levels of appetite are linked to the obesity epidemic since overeating tends to cause weight gain.

The study explains appetite’s role in the matter, “The decision to eat often arises as a consequence of appetite as opposed to the need for energy.”

The study proves that a breakfast of oatmeal is one of many tools that can be used to fight obesity.