Avocado consumption did not change body weight, BMI, or waist circumference despite the extra calories1.
Effects of Different Allotments of Avocados on the Nutritional Status of Families
Research Summary
In a clinical trial of 72 Hispanic American (97% Mexican) families consisting of at least three people, researchers assessed two avocado intake levels (3 avocados/family/week vs. 14 avocados/family/week) combined with MyPlate nutrition education.
- Despite the extra calories, families eating 3 (720 extra calories) or 14 (3,360 extra calories) avocados per week experienced no changes in body weight, BMI, or waist circumference.
The Avocado Nutrition Center funded the study, and study limitations, including drawbacks of all validated food frequency questionnaires, prevent the generalization of the findings. The results support including fresh avocados in nutrition education to support weight management while reducing the overconsumption of saturated fat and sodium for Hispanic families.
Download the fact sheet to learn more about the growing body of evidence exploring avocado’s role in weight management as a source of fiber and naturally good fats.
Empower Your Patients with Tools for Mindful Eating
Evidence-based tools to support their health journey.
This weight management toolkit offers several ready-to-share resources, including research insights, simple food-swap ideas and mindful eating tips featuring avocados to help patients build lasting, healthy eating habits.
Satisfying Recipes for Weight Wellness
Share recipes with your patients that encourage simple dietary shifts toward more nutrient-dense foods, like avocados, which provide fiber, and other vitamins and minerals in place of less healthy options.
Quick Ways to Start the Conversation
How do fresh avocados, diet quality and restorative sleep work together to support weight management?
The following resources explore these connections and provide practical recommendations to help patients make meaningful lifestyle changes.
Energy Intake, Abdominal Obesity and Appetite Regulation
What does the research reveal about avocados and the relationship between energy intake, abdominal obesity, appetite and satiety? This patient-ready resource explains the evidence and provides clinical insights to support your weight-related counseling.
Key Health Benefits of Avocados for Weight Management
Help patients discover how fresh avocados deliver a unique combination of healthy fats, fiber and essential nutrients that promote meal satisfaction and make them a smart choice for maintaining or achieving weight goals.
Healthy eating patterns associated with better weight management include more fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated fats than most people eat. Avocados are a fruit and contribute 6 grams of unsaturated fats.
Fiber slows the speed of digestion, which makes you feel full and may help you eat less and stay satisfied longer. Just one-third of an avocado contains 3 grams of dietary fiber.
Nutrient-dense foods provide substantial amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients with relatively few calories. One-third of a medium avocado (50 grams) has 80 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy, nutrient-dense food choice.
Additional Resources for Your Practice
Find a mix of research-backed resources focused on weight management, including a new webinar on the relationship between food and sleep to strengthen your patient counseling and care.
