Chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates may affect how attractive a man or woman's face appears to a heterosexual member of the opposite sex, according to a new study from France.

The study, conducted at the University of Montpellier, was published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Previous studies have linked increased consumption of refined carbohydrates to adverse health outcomes including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, preliminary evidence suggests that high intake of refined carbohydrates may also affect non-medical characteristics such as a person's attractiveness.

To further explore the likelihood of this happening, the researchers conducted a study involving 104 French male and female adults.

Some study participants ate a high glycemic index breakfast (refined carbohydrates are known to raise blood sugar levels), while others ate a low glycemic index breakfast. Participants also completed a questionnaire to assess their typical dietary habits related to refined carbohydrates.

Researchers asked heterosexual volunteers to rate the attractiveness of the faces of participants of the opposite sex as they looked in photographs taken two hours after breakfast was served.

Statistical analyses showed that consumption of a high glycemic index breakfast was associated with lower subsequent facial attractiveness scores in both men and women.

Chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates at breakfast, snacks between meals and afternoon snacks was also found to be associated with lower attractiveness scores. However, eating high-calorie foods at these times was associated with higher attractiveness scores, the researchers found.