By Sam McManis

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

All right, food indulgers: We’ve been busted. Harvard University researchers have just published a 20-year study that followed 120,000 men and women, detailing the good and bad foods that contribute to obesity.

1. What was the average weight variation of the subjects over a four-year period?

a) gained 3.35 pounds

b) gained 12.58 pounds

c) lost .78 pounds

2. We’re shocked — shocked — that researchers found the four-year weight change was most strongly associated with the intake of potato chips. How much average weight did the greasy and salty treat add to subject’s waistline?

a) 7.11 pounds

b) 3.22 pounds

c) 1.69 pounds

3. Another shock: Eating meat contributed to weight gain. How much more weight was gained from eating unprocessed red meats than processed meats?

a) .02 pounds

b) .91 pounds

c) .001 pounds

4. Which of the following foods was considered the best for reducing weight over the period studied?

a) vegetables

b) yogurt

c) whole grains

5. Why do researchers believe yogurt is so effective in weight reduction?

a) Because the antioxidants and calcium increase the metabolic rate.

b) Because changes in colonic bacteria might influence weight gain.

c) Because Unilever, makers of Breyers Yogurt, was one of the funders of the study.

6. Researchers list “other lifestyle factors” as reasons for weight gain or loss. In their study, those who were physically active lost 1.76 pounds. Those who watched TV and drank one alcoholic beverage per day gained how much in addition to what they ate?

a) .72 pounds

b) 2.11 pounds

c) 6.01 pounds

ANSWERS: 1: a; 2: c; 3: a (unprocessed red meats: 0.95 lb; processed meats, 0.93 lb); 4: b; 5: b; 6: a.