Does chewing betel nut cause weight gain?

Areca nut itself is not a food that causes weight gain. Areca nut is the fruit of a tropical plant, and its main components include alkaloids, arecoline, as well as fats, tannins, and areca red pigments. Among these components, the levels of fat and sugar are relatively low, insufficient to cause significant weight gain.

The habit of chewing areca nut often accompanies other unhealthy lifestyle practices, such as excessive consumption of high-sugar and high-fat foods, and lack of physical activity—these are the main causes of weight gain. At the same time, chewing areca nut poses multiple health risks. Long-term chewing can blacken teeth and affect oral health. Areca nut may also lead to addiction, hallucinations, and other adverse effects, and is closely linked to serious diseases such as oral cancer.

Although chewing areca nut does not directly cause weight gain, considering its negative impact on health, it is recommended to avoid consuming it as much as possible. To maintain a healthy weight, one should achieve this goal through balanced nutrition and appropriate physical activity.