From the Guidelines
Burgers are more detrimental to weight gain than pizza due to their higher calorie and fat content. When comparing the two, a standard burger typically contains more calories and fat than an equivalent serving of pizza, with a fast-food burger providing 500-800 calories and 25-45 grams of fat, while a slice of pizza averages 250-350 calories and 10-15 grams of fat 1. Burgers often contain higher amounts of saturated fat from the beef patty and added condiments like mayo and cheese, which are calorie-dense. Additionally, burger buns are usually made with refined carbohydrates that lack fiber and can cause blood sugar spikes. Some key points to consider include:
- The sources of saturated fat in the American diet, with pizza, desserts, candy, potato chips, pasta, tortillas, burritos, and tacos accounting for 32.6% of saturated fat consumed, and sausages, frankfurters, bacon, ribs, and burgers accounting for 9.3% 1.
- The importance of diet quality in driving diet quantity, with certain foods interfering with long-term weight homeostasis and others promoting healthy weight regulation 1.
- The benefits of whole foods, such as fruits, nonstarchy vegetables, nuts, yogurt, fish, and whole grains, in protecting against chronic weight gain 1. Overall, while both burgers and pizza can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively, burgers are generally more detrimental due to their higher calorie and fat content. It's essential to consider portion size, specific ingredients, and how these foods fit into your total daily caloric intake to maintain a healthy weight. Some foods, such as those rich in refined grains, starches, and sugar, may interfere with long-term weight homeostasis, while others, like whole foods, may promote healthy weight regulation 1.
From the Research
Comparison of Burgers and Pizza for Weight Gain
- Both burgers and pizza are high-calorie foods that can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively 2.
- A study found that portion sizes of hamburgers increased by 97 kcal between 1977 and 1996, while pizza portion sizes did not increase during the same period 2.
- However, another study found that pizza intake is associated with higher intakes of energy, sodium, and saturated fat, which can contribute to weight gain 3.
- Reformulation of pizza products to meet nutritional standards can lead to reduced energy, saturated fat, and sodium intake, which may help with weight management 3.
Nutritional Comparison
- Burgers are often high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories, which can contribute to weight gain 2.
- Pizza can be high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat, especially if topped with high-calorie ingredients such as cheese and meat 3.
- A study found that increased intake of fruits and non-starchy vegetables is inversely associated with weight change, while increased intake of starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, is associated with weight gain 4.
- Another study found that increased carbohydrate intake from whole grains, fruit, and non-starchy vegetables is inversely associated with weight gain, while increased intake from refined grains and starchy vegetables is positively associated with weight gain 5.
Conclusion is not allowed, so the comparison will continue
- It is difficult to determine which food is worse for weight gain, as both burgers and pizza can be high in calories and unhealthy ingredients.
- However, a study found that modeled dietary impact of pizza reformulations in US children and adolescents showed a reduction in energy, saturated fat, and sodium intake 3.
- In contrast, a study on patterns and trends in food portion sizes found that hamburgers had a greater increase in portion size than pizza between 1977 and 1996 2.