Does candy keep kids from getting fat?

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(CBS) Indulging a sweet tooth might not be anyone's idea of a good weight-loss strategy. But in jaw-dropping new research, scientists say they've found something even more likely to be associated with unwanted weight gain in children and adolescents than eating candy:

Not eating candy.

For the study, published in Food & Nutrition Research, researchers at Louisiana State University tracked the health of more than 11,000 youngsters between the ages of two and 18 from 1999 to 2004. They found that children who ate sweets were 22 percent less likely to be overweight or obese than kids who shunned sweets. Adolescents? Those who ate candy were 26 percent less likely to be overweight or obese than their non-candy-eating counterparts.

And that wasn't the only surprising finding. Researchers also found that the blood of candy-eating kids had lower levels of C-reactive protein. That's a marker of inflammation in the body and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses.

So all this means kids at risk for weight gain should stock up on Snickers? Not so fast, doctors say.

"The results of this study should not be construed as a hall-pass to overindulge," lead researcher Dr. Carol O'Neil said in a written statement. "Candy should not replace nutrient-dense foods in the diet; it is a special treat and should be enjoyed in moderation."

But for those who have tried to stymie a sweet tooth, the news isn't just reassuring.

It's sweet.

[aeprovost]

Scrawny sugar eating kid here. Had obese friends whose parents never allowed them sugar. I doubt it's the primary factor. I'll keep eating my wide variety of all kinds of foods in moderation while scientists study dietary extremists like the self appointed guinea pigs you are. I love a good experiment as much as the next guy so...carry on.

[WillowSunstar]

This story is no better than an advertisement for candy. Please go and look to see who funded it before blindly believing it. Stop blindly following the pseudo-science.

[m0u5y]

I guess then that I grew up to be a fat 102 pounder because my parents restricted my access to sweets and candy. Or maybe it was the fact that only real food was available to me and even then, I never really cared to eat much. I was more interested in playing outside all day until sun down and come back to a nice box of water. I'm now a healthy 26 year old and cook all of my meals. I don't care for sweets either unless I bake something once in a blue moon.

[clairezulkey]

Y'know, this part of the study may be worth mentioning:

"Partial support was also received from the National Confectioners
Association."

[aquariousminus1]

I actually believe there is truth to this. If a body continually has excess 'sugar', then it probably develops a way to get rid of that 'sugar'. I might would think that high calorie consumption yields higher metabolism. Just a thought...

[bobnjersey]

[They found that children who ate sweets were 22 percent less likely to be overweight or obese than kids who shunned sweets.]
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this is a disputed conclusion by many who have their own correlative results showing much different connections.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.htm?_r=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM

[jsf14]

Kids who "shunned" candy? How did they determine who did not eat candy? They also really, really need to tell us more info about the kids than how much candy they ate. They might need to tell us their definition of "candy." Of the 11,000 youngsters, many "did not eat" candy?

[stevador39]

Sugar is associated with rotting every cell in the body. Sugar causes Advanced Glycosalation End products or AGEs. These are well known to contribute to ill health, early aging and death.

[allisonburness]

You need to specify. Are you referring to fructose, or glucose, or sucrose, or another form of "sugar". As you seem to be keen on medical terms, you'll understand that "sugar" is a broad name given to a variety of different carbohydrates. So, by stating that "sugar" rots all cells, you're implying that the peach I ate for lunch is currently destroying my brain cells.