Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 27: While sugary foods and beverages are often blamed for the global obesity crisis, new research suggests that sodium—commonly found in chips, processed meats, bread, and cheese—may be playing a significant role in weight gain.

A study presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) has highlighted a strong link between high sodium consumption and both overall and abdominal obesity. Conducted by researchers at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the study analyzed data from over 5,000 adults, assessing their sodium intake and urine sodium concentration in relation to their obesity status.

The findings revealed that all participants exceeded the World Health Organization’s recommended sodium limit of 5 grams per day. Those in the highest sodium intake group were found to be 4.3 times more likely to be classified as obese and 3.4 times more likely to suffer from abdominal obesity. Among men, the risk was even higher, with those consuming the most sodium being six times more likely to be obese and 4.7 times more likely to have excess abdominal fat.

Both high sodium intake and obesity are established risk factors for serious health conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Lead researcher Annika Santalahti noted that men generally consume more sodium-rich foods like processed meats, bakery products, and cheese, which may explain the stronger association observed in male participants. Even after adjusting for total energy intake, the correlation between sodium and obesity remained significant.

Santalahti emphasized that these findings reinforce the connection between sodium intake and obesity and highlight the need for further research into the biological mechanisms behind this link. With obesity rates continuing to climb worldwide, the study underscores the importance of monitoring salt intake, alongside sugar, in efforts to combat the epidemic.