Does Bread Make Your Butt Bigger?

Weight gain can be caused by many things, such as a sedentary lifestyle, a rich diet or other factors such as genetics or health conditions. If bread is partly to blame for your weight gain, it is most likely the amount of bread you consume and the type of breads you choose to eat that is causing the problem. Some breads however, can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Too much of any kind of food can cause weight gain. Depending on how your body distributes fat, you may gain weight in your seat from consuming too many calories. In order to gain 1 pound, you must consume 3,500 calories. Therefore, having one slice of bread, at 100 calories, does not pose a threat to your diet. However, consuming several pastries may add up to 1,000 calories -- leading to weight gain.

Breads are classified as grains in the United States Department of Agriculture's food guide pyramid. The USDA suggests that a diet of 1,600 calories include six daily servings of grains or breads. One slice of bread is equal to one serving. Nine servings are recommended for a daily diet of 2,200 calories and 11 servings are recommended for a diet of 2,800 calories.

If you are looking to maintain a healthy weight, or to lose weight, choose to eat whole-grain breads. Whole grains keep you feeling full longer, which prevents overeating and weight gain. Mayo Clinic Dietician Katherine Zeratsky explains that refined grains like white bread lose many of their nutrients. These breads are often higher in calories and do not keep you feeling full, because they are stripped of fiber content.

Exercise regularly -- preferably for 30 minutes, most days of the week. Adding exercise to your routine helps you burn calories that you consume during the day. Burning more calories than you take in helps you maintain a healthy weight. Don't cut bread completely out of your diet; your body does benefit from the nutrients in bread; just choose to eat all foods in moderation.