One of the most controversial foods consumed is meat. In general, there are two extremes associated with meat; those who consume too much and those who choose not to eat meat at all. Of course, there are concerns about overconsumption of meat such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. Additionally, diets high in meat are high in protein, so these individuals sometimes do not get enough energy from carbohydrates, which ultimately puts strain on the kidneys, leading to dehydration and ketosis ( Wyness, et al., p. 35). When considering the negative effects of meat consumption, the main focus is on weight management, cholesterol, cancer and coronary heart disease. As societies have more and more obese people, it is important to find the causes and resources needed to improve management. In several studies, people who eat meat have a prevalence of overweight of approximately 5 to 46%. In these studies, it is difficult to establish factors that prove meat consumption is a cause of obesity, because people who eat meat are usually compared to those who do not. Vegetarians are more likely to have a healthier lifestyle and be health conscious, so the prevalence is much lower (Wyness et al., p. 49). “Mainly because of its high energy density and high fat content, meat consumption has been considered a determinant of weight gain” (Vergnaud, p. 398). Although it is a major determinant of weight, reducing red meat consumption will not effectively manage weight. A combination of meat, vegetables and fruits, a decrease in total energy intake and increased physical activity is equally important to achieve adequate results (Vergnaud, p. 403). Cholesterol and coronary heart disease are also associated with meat and obesity. “Coronary heart… middle of paper……for those who are missing.ReferencesBentley, Orville. The public responsibility of agriculture in food/health issues. Journal of Animal Sciences. Published in 1986, supplement 1, p. 1-6. Retrieved 04/6/2014. Hansen, et al. Put the role of meat in human nutrition into perspective. Journal of Animal Sciences. Published in 1986, supplement 1, p. 7-15. Retrieved 04/6/2014. Sanders, Tom. Meat in the diet: essential or optional? BNF Nutrition Bulletin. Published in 1998, number 23, p. 88-93. Retrieved 04/6/2014. Vergnaud, et al. Meat consumption and prospective weight change among participants in the EPIC-PANACEA study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Published in 2010, number 92, p. 398-407. Retrieved 04/6/2014. Wyness, et al. Red meat in the diet: an update. Newsletter of the British Nutrition Foundation. Published in 2011, number 36, p. 34-77. Recovered 4/6/2014