International Olive Council

The website of the International Olive Council

Tools icon

IOC NEWS

Home / Blog / A calorie is not a calorie

A calorie is not a calorie

MADRID / 04.08.2021
Extra virgin olive oil is an increasingly surprising product. See IOC's latest news from OHIS. Olive oil and health, in collaboration with the University of Navarra.

The specific metabolic contribution of consuming different energy-yielding macronutrients (namely, carbohydrates, protein and lipids) to obesity is a current topic of debate. A recent review summarizes the existing evidence concerning associations between the intake of different macronutrients with weight gain and adiposity. Overall, current evidence suggests that energy surplus is the main driver of overweight and obesity. On the contrary, the question of refined sugars and some fats playing complementary roles in weight gain and whether calories from different macronutrients count as equal still remain very controversial. In this regard, dietary patterns particularly rich in sources of monounsaturated fats, such as extra virgin olive oil in the Mediterranean diet, have been inversely associated with BMI. This highlights the importance of the fat profile and not just the total amount of fat or differences attributed to genetic background.

Reference: San-Cristobal R, Navas-Carretero S, Martínez-González MÁ, Ordovas JM, Martínez JA. Contribution of macronutrients to obesity: implications for precision nutrition. Nat Rev Endocrinol. [published online ahead of print].
For Further information please visit the following link: https://meddietolivehealth.com/news-by-topic/
Last Posts
IOC and Agricultural University of Athens to collaborate on olive research and education

The International Olive Council (IOC) and the Agricultural University of Athens (UA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in olive research, education and scientific exchange. Signed on 11...

Info
The IOC recognises Southern Hemisphere olive oil quality
SAN JUAN, ARGENTINA / 06.11.2025

Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil receive the highest honours at the 2025 Mario Solinas Quality Award The International Olive Council (IOC) today presented the 2025 Mario Solinas Quality Award – Southern Hemisphere, at a...

Info
IOC and ENA Meknès strengthen partnership in olive research and education

The International Olive Council (IOC) and the National School of Agriculture of Meknès (ENA Meknès) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 3 November to reinforce cooperation in olive research, education and technical...

Info