Not only can MSG cause some rather mouth drying, head pounding side-effects in some people, it also now has the unenviable reputation of increasing the risk of obesity. A new study cited in the journal, Obesity (2008;16 1875–1880), has shown that people who eat MSG are more likely to be overweight or obese than those who donʼt, regardless of their total calorie intake or level of physical activity.

Researchers recruited 752 Chinese men and women aged 40–59. Eighty-two per cent of participants used MSG when preparing food at home, with an average intake of 0.33 grams per day. Those who used the most MSG were nearly three times more likely to be overweight or obese than non-users.