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Table 7: Summary of strength of evidence on factors that might promote or protect against weight gain and obesitya
Evidence Decreased risk No relationship Increased risk
a Strength of evidence: the totality of the evidence was taken into account. The World Cancer Research Fund schema was taken as the starting point but was modified in the following manner: randomized controlled trials were given prominence as the highest ranking study design (randomized controlled trials were not a major source of cancer evidence); associated evidence and expert opinion was also taken into account in relation to environmental determinants (direct trials were usually not available).
b Specific amounts will depend on the analytical methodolog ies used to measure fibre.
c Energy-dense and micronutrient-poor foods tend to be processed foods that are high in fat and/or sugars. Low energy-dense (or energy-dilute) foods, such as fruit, legumes, vegetables and whole grain cereals, are high in dietary fibre and water.
d Associat ed evidence and expert opinion included.
Convincing Regular physical activity   Sedentary lifestyles
High dietary intake of NSP (dietary fibre)b High intake of energy-dense micronutrient-poor foodsc
Probable Home and school environments that support healthy food choices for childrend   Heavy marketing of energy-dense foodsd and fast-food outletsd
Breastfeeding High intake of sugars-sweetened soft drinks and fruit juices
Adverse socioeconomic conditionsd (in developed countries, especially for women)
Possible Low glycaemic index foods Protein content of the diet Large portion sizes
High proportion of food prepared outside the home (developed countries)
‘‘Rigid restraint/periodic disinhibition’’ eating patterns
Insufficient Increased eating frequency
Alcohol

Source: WHO/FAO "Diet, Nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases"
Section 5.2.4 Strength of evidence