Low fat diet Health Article

Synonyms

Diet, low fat, low-fat.

Background

Eating a diet that is low in fat and high in nutritional value has long been advocated by many major US health organizations as a key component to staving off heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke, and most other adult-onset chronic diseases.

A recent, long-term study, however, called into question the truth of these claims. The Harvard School of Public Health takes serious issue with low fat diets because they restrict consumption of all fats, rather than only the most harmful ones.

Advocates of low fat diets also encourage consumers to purchase reduced and no-fat versions of foods, even if those foods contain artificial sugars such as aspartame, or contain higher levels of calories.

Eating a diet that is low in fat and high in nutritional value has long been advocated by many major US health organizations as a key component to staving off heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke, and most other adult-onset chronic diseases.

A recent, long-term study, however, called into question the truth of these claims. The Harvard School of Public Health takes serious issue with low fat diets because they restrict consumption of all fats, rather than only the most harmful ones.

Advocates of low fat diets also encourage consumers to purchase reduced and no-fat versions of foods, even if those foods contain artificial sugars such as aspartame, or contain higher levels of calories.

Technique

Even when people eat fewer high fat foods, they can still eat in an unhealthy manner by consuming foods that are high in starch, sugars, and protein, but devoid of more complete nutritional value. The USDA recommends that patients choosing a low fat diet also eat plenty of foods with documented nutritional value, such as vegetables, low fat dairy products, and whole-grains.

The American Medical Association recommends changing eating patterns, such as adopting substitutions, rather than meticulously counting calories or grams of fat. The exact number of calories is not as important as portion control and making everyday healthy selections of lower fat foods. They also suggest a gradual change in diet in order to prevent feelings of deprivation and withdrawal.

The medical profession's opinion of low fat diets is currently in flux. Patients are encouraged to discuss any diet with their doctor.