Study: Low-calorie diet may lead to obesity

The study showed that animals are able to correlate the taste of food with its calorie content, that is, the amount of energy that IT gives the body. On this basis, the scientists suggested that in children who eat low-calorie substitutes for high-calorie foods, the relationship between the taste of food and its energy value may be broken. As a result, in adulthood, they may face such a problem as overeating.

"Consuming dietary foods and drinks from an early age throughout adolescence can cause overeating and gradual weight gain," said Dr. David Pearce of the University of Alberta, Canada.

In experiments reported in the specialist journal Obesity, researchers found that young rats eat much more when given a low-calorie diet. In older animals, this trend was not observed. According to scientists, adult rats, unlike young ones, do not associate the calorie content of food with its taste.

"Based on the findings, we would recommend that children eat a healthy, balanced diet with enough calories, and not sit on a low-calorie diet," - said D. Pierce.