A recent study has found an association between trans-fat intake, waist circumference and glycosylated haemoglobin. Waist circumference is a measure of obesity and glycosylated heamoglobin is a diabetes marker.

This study shows that even a small amount of trans fat intake can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. Trans fats are found in margarine, vegetable shortening, processed cakes, biscuits and deep fried food.

Yamada et al 2009 ‘Association of trans fatty acid intake with metabolic risk factors among free-living young Japanese women’, Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 359-