New Delhi, March 27
While sugary foods and beverages are more blamed for the global rise in obesity rates, a new study suggests that sodium -- found in chips, processed meat products, bread, and dairy products, especially cheese -- may also be a significant risk factor.
The research presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) highlighted an alarming correlation between sodium intake and obesity, both in terms of overall body fat and abdominal fat.
The study, led by researchers from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in Finland analysed data from over 5,000 men and women aged 18 and older, examining their sodium intake as well as urine sodium concentration about their obesity status.
Notably, all participants were found to exceed the recommended sodium intake of 5 grams or less per day -- set by the World Health Organization.
The analysis revealed strong correlations between high dietary sodium intake and both general and abdominal obesity, particularly for women. Both high sodium and obesity levels are known risk factors for hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancers.
Participants in the highest sodium intake quartile were 4.3 times more likely to be classified as obese overall and 3.4 times more likely to suffer from abdominal obesity.
In the case of men, those in the highest quartile of urine sodium concentration were six times more likely to experience general obesity and 4.7 times more likely to have abdominal obesity.