Monosodium glutamate (MSG) commonly often associated with the emergence of a headache after eating. But recent studies have found that MSG can also increase waist circumference and obesity.
The researchers found that people who eat lots of MSG will be more likely to be overweight or obese, so the size of waist circumference increased.
MSG is one of the most widely used additives in the food world. Although likely more popular in Asian countries, but processed foods such as chips and canned food in the United States also contain MSG.
In certain amount of MSG is considered safe, but sometimes, if the amount excessive or high sensitivity to people who could complain of headaches, nausea and other adverse reactions.
Several studies have found a potential relationship between MSG use and weight. The scientists said that people can eat large quantities if food is given MSG, because he makes a meal taste better.
In addition, other evidence also suggests that MSG may interfere with signals in the body system which controls appetite and metabolism of the hormone leptin.
"Consumption of MSG can cause the body to have leptin resistance, so the body can not process the energy received from food properly which makes gaining weight," said Ka He, a nutrition scientist at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, who led the study, as quoted by Reuters on Monday (5/30/2011).
Researchers found men and women who consume MSG average of 5 grams a day will tend to have excess weight around 30 percent compared with those who ate little MSG (less than 0.5 grams a day). While the people who are already overweight before, then the risk increased to 33 percent.
The study involved more than 1,000 adults in China for 5.5 years and the results have been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. To that note lebl MSG content in every food consumed and avoid its use if cooking your own food.