The results show people who eat chocolate frequently have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who consume the treat less regularly, the researchers say. Body mass index is a ratio of weight to height and is considered an indicator of body fatness.

 

 

The link was found despite the fact that frequent chocolate eaters tended to consume more calories overall, and did not make up for this with additional exercise. The findings suggest something in chocolate may make the calories you eat less likely to be deposited as fat, said Dr. Beatrice Golomb, associate professor in the department of medicine at the University of California, San Diego. "It's really like all of your calories count a little bit less," Golomb said.