A new study in the United States shows that people who are aware of their obesity will help them lose weight and have other health benefits; subjects who consumed the most nuts had a 37 to 46 percent lower risk of obesity and fewer metabolic syndrome cases than those who consumed the fewest nuts. The researchers, Joan Sabaté of Loma Linda University and colleagues, analyzed dietary data from 803 Seventh-day Adventists. The results found that those who consumed more nuts (about 16g per day) weighed less and had a lower BMI than those who consumed fewer or no nuts. In addition, the study found that nearly one-third of the subjects had metabolic syndrome. For every one-ounce increase in weekly nut intake, the risk of developing metabolic syndrome was reduced by 7 percent. The results of this study add to the evidence that nut consumption reduces the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The researchers concluded that nuts are rich in unsaturated fats and other healthful nutrients and plant compounds and are high in protein, which makes them more satiating and reduces the need to eat unhealthy foods. Jeffrey Blumberg of Tufts University commented that nuts are a healthy food when consumed in the right amounts.