🥩 Red Meat, Real Strength: What the Latest Science Says About Beef and Obesity


🥩 Red Meat, Real Strength: What the Latest Science Says About Beef and Obesity

By Hedgerow Ranch | Schnelle Farms | Owner-Operator: Chris Schnelle
📍 hedgerowranch.com | 📧 chris@hedgerowranch.com
📸 Instagram | 👍 Facebook


🌾 From Our Pastures to Your Plate

At Hedgerow Ranch, we’ve been raising cattle the right way for five generations. We believe in honest food, hard work, and the kind of nourishment that builds strong bodies and strong families. But in today’s world, red meat—especially beef—often gets a bad rap. Headlines warn of obesity, heart disease, and metabolic issues. So we asked: What does the science really say?

Turns out, the truth is on our side.


🔬 The Study That’s Changing the Conversation

A groundbreaking study published in Obesity by researchers at Texas Tech University reviewed 24 clinical trials to determine the effect of unprocessed red meat (URM) on obesity and related health outcomes. Unlike previous studies that relied on self-reported diets (which can be unreliable), this analysis focused on direct feeding trials—where participants consumed beef under controlled conditions.

🧠 Key Findings:

  • No significant link between unprocessed beef and weight gain, BMI, or body fat.
  • A slight increase in cholesterol was noted, but not enough to associate beef with obesity or metabolic disorders.
  • Beef was recognized as a nutrient-dense powerhouse, rich in high-quality protein, iron, B vitamins, and creatine.

💪 Why Beef Belongs in a Healthy Lifestyle

Whether you're a young man building muscle, a parent feeding a growing family, or someone focused on clean eating—beef offers unmatched benefits:

Complete Protein

Beef contains all 9 essential amino acids, especially leucine, which triggers muscle growth and repair.

Satiety & Focus

Protein-rich meals help you feel full longer, reducing cravings and supporting better dietary habits.

Energy & Endurance

Iron and B12 in beef support oxygen flow and mental clarity, while creatine boosts strength and stamina.


🚫 Busting the Myths

For years, red meat has been lumped into broad dietary warnings—often based on observational studies that can’t prove cause and effect. This new research flips the script: unprocessed beef is not a driver of obesity. In fact, it may support weight management when part of a balanced diet.


🐄 Hedgerow Ranch: Beef You Can Trust

At Hedgerow Ranch, we raise our cattle with care, integrity, and respect for the land. Our beef is:

  • Unprocessed and pasture-raised
  • Free from unnecessary additives
  • Backed by generations of experience and pride

When you choose Hedgerow Ranch, you're not just buying beef—you're investing in your health, your family, and a legacy of quality.


📣 Join the Movement

Let’s reclaim beef’s place at the table. Share this post, tag a friend, and follow us for more insights, recipes, and ranch life updates.

📧 Questions or orders? Reach out at chris@hedgerowranch.com
📸 Instagram | 👍 Facebook


Hedgerow Ranch
Rooted in tradition. Raised with care. Backed by science.


Akheruzzaman, M., Hefner, M., Baller, D., Clark, S., Feizy, Z., Thomas, D. M., & Dhurandhar, N. V. (2025). Effect of unprocessed red meat on obesity and related factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity (Silver Spring), 33(9), 1627–1636. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.24322"

You can also view the full article on Wiley's Online Library.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.