Can Momo Gain Weight? Understanding Preparation, Calories, and Healthier Choices

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

While often perceived as a light snack, a plate of fried momos can contain over 900 calories, nearly triple that of the steamed version. This significant caloric difference explains how consuming momo regularly, especially when fried, can lead to weight gain.

Quick Summary

An analysis of momos and weight gain, focusing on key variables like cooking methods, fillings, and portion control. Explore the significant calorie and nutritional differences between steamed versus fried dumplings, and learn how to make healthier choices for weight management.

Key Points

Preparation Method is Crucial: Fried momos are significantly higher in calories and fat compared to steamed momos due to the oil absorption.
Fillings Influence Calorie Count: Choosing lean proteins like chicken or plant-based fillings over fatty meats can reduce the caloric impact.
Hidden Calories in Sauces: Dipping sauces can be high in sodium and calories, so opting for healthier, homemade versions is recommended.
Moderation is Essential for Weight Management: Overindulging in momos, especially fried versions, can lead to consuming excess calories that contribute to weight gain.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Using whole wheat wrappers, baking, or air-frying are excellent ways to make momos a nutritious snack.
Impact on Blood Sugar: Momos made with refined white flour can cause blood sugar spikes, which is a concern for people with diabetes or those at risk.
Digestive Health Considerations: High consumption of maida and spicy sauces can lead to digestive issues like bloating and acidity.

The Core Factors Affecting Momos and Weight Gain

At its simplest, weight gain is a result of consuming more calories than your body burns. When asking, "can momo gain weight?", the answer lies not just in the food itself but in how it is prepared and consumed. Momos are essentially dumplings with a filling, and their caloric value can fluctuate dramatically based on the cooking method and ingredients.

The Impact of Preparation Method

Deep-frying is the primary driver behind momos' potential for causing weight gain. When dumplings are submerged in hot oil, their delicate flour wrapper absorbs a substantial amount of fat, drastically increasing the calorie count. A plate of fried momos can contain up to 904 calories, while the same quantity of steamed momos averages around 280 calories. Steaming, by contrast, uses moist heat, which adds no fat or oil, preserving a lower calorie count. This single factor is the most crucial distinction for those concerned about weight gain.

The Role of Fillings and Ingredients

The choice of filling also influences whether momos contribute to weight gain. Fatty meats, such as beef or pork, increase the calorie and fat content significantly compared to leaner options. For a healthier alternative, fillings can be made from lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, or plant-based options such as tofu, paneer, or mixed vegetables. The type of flour used for the wrapper is another consideration; traditional momos use refined white flour (maida), which has a higher glycemic index than whole wheat or multigrain flour. Using whole wheat flour increases the fiber content, promoting satiety and better blood sugar control.

Hidden Calories in Accompaniments

The dipping sauces served with momos can be a hidden source of calories and sodium. Rich, creamy sauces like mayonnaise or some spicy chutneys are high in fat and sugar, adding to the overall calorie load. Sodium-rich sauces, like certain soy sauces, can lead to water retention and high blood pressure when consumed in excess. Opting for lighter, homemade green chutneys made with mint and coriander can be a flavorful yet healthier choice.

Comparison of Momos: Steamed vs. Fried


Feature	Steamed Momos	Fried Momos
Cooking Method	Uses moist heat to cook, typically in a bamboo steamer.	Deep-fried in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
Calorie Count (per 8 pcs)	Approximately 280-390 calories, depending on the filling.	Can exceed 900 calories, tripling the caloric intake.
Fat Content	Significantly lower, as no oil is used in cooking.	Substantially higher due to oil absorption during frying.
Overall Health Impact	Healthier due to lower fat and calorie content; nutrients are better preserved.	Less healthy; high in calories and unhealthy fats, contributing to potential weight gain and other issues.
Wrapper	Soft, delicate, and chewy texture.	Crispy and crunchy texture.

Making Momos a Part of a Balanced Diet

For those who enjoy momos but are mindful of their weight, moderation is key. By choosing steamed options over fried, controlling portion sizes, and being selective about dipping sauces, momos can be an occasional treat rather than a dietary hazard. Pairing momos with a large portion of fresh salad can increase fiber intake and help you feel full faster, preventing overconsumption. Making momos at home allows for total control over the ingredients, from using whole wheat flour for the wrapper to incorporating high-protein, low-fat fillings. This approach transforms momos from a potential junk food into a nutritious and balanced meal component.

Healthier Momo Options

Vegetable-Filled Momos: Use a variety of finely diced vegetables like cabbage, carrots, spinach, and mushrooms for a vitamin-rich, fiber-packed filling.
Lean Protein Fillings: Fillings made with ground chicken, turkey, or paneer offer a good source of protein without excessive fat.
Whole Wheat Wrappers: Replacing refined flour with whole wheat flour for the dough increases fiber and nutrients.
Baked or Air-Fried Momos: For a crispy texture without deep-frying, baking or air-frying momos is an excellent, low-fat alternative.
Homemade Sauces: Create your own low-sodium dipping sauces using fresh ingredients like mint, coriander, and yogurt.

Conclusion: Mindful Consumption is Key

Ultimately, whether you can momo gain weight depends entirely on your consumption habits. A steamed momo is a much lower-calorie option than its fried counterpart, and the ingredients you choose, including the dough and filling, have a significant impact. By being mindful of preparation methods, controlling portions, and choosing healthier accompaniments, momos can be a delicious part of a balanced diet rather than a cause for concern regarding weight gain. Like all foods, moderation is the golden rule.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional regarding dietary and health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Steamed momos are significantly lower in calories than fried versions and are less likely to cause weight gain when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, eating them excessively could still lead to weight gain if your total daily calorie intake exceeds your expenditure.

A plate of eight fried chicken momos can contain as many as 1200 calories, though averages vary widely based on size and recipe. Some estimates put a six-piece plate at 390-450 kcal.

The healthiest way to eat momos is steamed, with lean protein fillings like chicken or vegetables, served with a low-sodium, homemade chutney.

Momos made with refined white flour (maida) are often considered less healthy than those with whole wheat flour because they contain fewer nutrients and can cause faster blood sugar spikes.

Healthier fillings include a variety of finely diced vegetables, lean ground chicken or turkey, and protein-rich options like tofu or paneer.

Yes, eating momos every day, particularly fried or unhealthily prepared ones, is not recommended as it can lead to excessive calorie consumption and contribute to weight gain.

To reduce calories, choose steamed over fried, use whole wheat flour for the wrapper, select lean protein or vegetable fillings, and opt for healthy, low-sodium dipping sauces.