Reducing meat intake 'can be beneficial for weight loss'
New research conducted across a number of European countries has found that limiting meat intake can slow weight gain over a period of time.Researchers found that even when the same calorie intake was recorded, people who ate less meat put on less weight than those who ate more.
The findings, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, could offer a new approach to dieting for some individuals.
Leader of the study Dr Anne-Claire Vergnaud told the BBC that people should control meat consumption for overall health benefits.
However, she warned that "decreasing the amount of meat alone would not be an adequate weight loss strategy".
Dietician and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association Sian Porter added that people tend to eat too much meat and that making changes to diet can help benefit long-term health.
Such changes could include replacing meat from breakfast or lunchtime meals, and eating more fish in the evenings, she suggested.
Other items, including lentils and pulses, as well as fruit and vegetables all form part of a healthy, balanced diet.
