Could your Refrigerator Be Fueling Weight Gain?

A 2025 study titled “Refrigerator Ownership and the Nutrition‑Health Trade‑off: Evidence from Chinese Households” in Frontiers in Nutrition by Zheng et al. used data from over 16,000 Chinese adults between 1997–2011. They found that simply owning a refrigerator was linked to a 39% increase in daily calorie intake, a rise in fat and protein consumption, and more processed food in the diet—alongside higher obesity risk, especially among older adults and men.

Fridges let families stock and consume energy-dense foods, like fatty meats and sweets, which weren’t previously available daily. This shift outpaced any simple modernization effect—it directly altered food choices. Worse yet, the impact was stronger in wealthier and older households, where obesity rose fastest.

As life becomes more convenient, it’s vital to stay mindful—fridge or no fridge, stock your home with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and avoid sugary, processed options.