At first, the mice on the fatty diet ate the same amount of food by weight as the others, but still got more calories because fat is energy-dense.

Scientific Claim

Female ICR mice on a high-fat diet (60% kcal from fat) for four weeks show no significant difference in total daily food intake (in grams) compared to controls during the first week, despite higher caloric intake.

Original Statement

“In week 1, there was no significant difference in food consumed between CON and HF diets during the day (t 73 = -1.96, P = 0.054) or night (t 86 = 0.15, P = 0.88).”

From study:High fat diet induces obesity, alters eating pattern and disrupts corticosterone circadian rhythms in female ICR mice

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The claim accurately reflects non-significant group differences in grams consumed, using appropriate statistical language without implying causation.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

High fat diet induces obesity, alters eating pattern and disrupts corticosterone circadian rhythms in female ICR mice

Cohort Study

Animal

2023

The mice ate the same amount of food by weight but got more calories because the food was fattier, so they gained weight even though they didn’t eat more grams.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

High fat diet induces obesity, alters eating pattern and disrupts corticosterone circadian rhythms in female ICR mice

Score: 15

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279209

Similar Assertions

Even if they eat the same amount of food by weight, mice on a fatty diet take in way more calories because fat has more energy than other nutrients.

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