Does drinking chicken soup cause weight gain?

Drinking chicken soup in moderation will not cause weight gain, but excessive consumption or pairing it with other high-calorie foods may lead to an increase in body weight.

Chicken soup itself is made by simmering chicken, water, and various spices and vegetables, making it rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and thus nutritionally valuable. However, if large amounts of oil are added during cooking or high-fat chicken parts, such as chicken skin, are used, the calorie content of the soup will significantly increase. Moreover, 100g of chicken meat contains approximately 190kcal of energy, while 100g of chicken soup contains only 27kcal. Nevertheless, excessive consumption—especially of chicken soup that retains the surface fat—or consuming it alongside other high-calorie foods may result in excessive energy intake, potentially causing weight gain.

For individuals aiming to control their weight, moderate consumption of low-fat, low-sodium chicken soup is safe and will not directly lead to weight gain. However, overeating any food, including chicken soup, may result in calorie intake exceeding energy expenditure, which can lead to weight gain.