Dietician debunks myths regarding bread and weight gain

Dietician Adrienn Szabó from Semmelweis University clarifies that the belief that bread is inherently unhealthy or causes weight gain is a misconception. While many avoid bread due to its carbohydrate content, carbohydrates are essential energy sources, with international recommendations suggesting they should comprise 40–60 percent of daily energy needs.

Weight gain is caused by consuming more energy than required, rather than carbohydrates alone. In Hungary, excessive fat consumption is a more prevalent issue than excessive carbohydrate intake.

Quality matters significantly; whole grain bread is a valuable source of fiber, plant protein, and micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, magnesium, and B vitamins. According to local regulations, a product is considered whole grain if it contains at least 60 percent whole grain flour. Consuming whole grain products can help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and colorectal cancer.