French Fries and Diabetes Risk: What Scientists and Dietitians Reveal Today

New Shocking Forecast: French Fries Raise Type 2 Diabetes Risk — But Boiled, Baked, or Mashed Potatoes Do Not?

A groundbreaking longitudinal study published in The BMJ and led by Harvard T.H. Chan School reveals that consuming three weekly servings of French fries increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by approximately 20%. Interestingly, the same is not true for boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes.

1. What Scientists Discovered

• Data from over 205,000 health professionals in three major U.S. cohorts tracked for nearly 40 years.
• 3 servings of French fries per week → ~20% higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes showed no significant risk increase.
• Replacing fries with whole grains lowered risk by up to 19%.

Sources: Harvard T.H. Chan School, News Medical

2. What the Scientists Say

Dr. Seyed Mohammad Mousavi: “We’re shifting the conversation from, ‘Are potatoes good or bad?’ to a more nuanced question: How are they prepared, and what might we eat instead?”

Prof. Walter Willett: “Limiting French fries and choosing healthy, whole-grain sources of carbohydrate could help lower the risk.”

3. Dietitians' Recommendations

• Prefer whole grains over fried potatoes.
• Bake or boil instead of frying.
• Keep portions moderate and meals balanced.

4. Proper Nutrition Takeaways

Small daily changes—like swapping fries for whole grains or legumes—can significantly reduce diabetes risk.

5. Expert Analysis

This decades-long study offers strong associative evidence but not absolute proof. Findings highlight that preparation methods matter more than food labels.

Conclusion

While French fries may raise type 2 diabetes risk by ~20%, boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes are not linked to the same concern. The secret is in preparation and healthy swaps.