Research: Eating Fats Doesn’t Make You Fat

Picture Courtesy Media bites

Tazeen Hasan

One of the by-products of globalisation that has sneaked quietly into our lives is a never-ending struggle for weight loss.  No wonder, the use of fitness gadgetry and low fat processed food has boomed in last two decades.  Similarly, fat cutting strategies have become an essential part of our domestic and social discourse. Besides weight gain, higher fat intakes are usually perceived to be associated with increased risk of heart stroke. 

Many myths prevail in the debate of weight loss. Some are shoved down our throats through TV commercials. Nevertheless, I have a good news for you. Now you can  enjoy Phajje K e Paye and Buns Road ki Nihari without any sense of guilt and still keep your weight and heart stroke risk low.  

According to a report published by the UK-based National  Obesity Forum (NOF) titled, “Eat Fat, Cut The Carbs and Avoid Snacking To Reverse Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes,”  recent studies revealed that high fats and low carbohydrate foods are more effective for weight loss in the long-term whereas low fats are found to be disastrous for health. 

NOF Report also revealed that saturated fat does not cause heart disease rather full fat dairy is likely to be protective so processed foods labelled ‘low fat’, ‘lite’, ‘low cholesterol’ should be avoided. NOF also strongly advise the public to limit starchy and refined carbohydrates to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

The report cited the studies carried out at Harvard School of Public Health and Women Health Initiative which endorsed more or less the same results. The National Forum for Obesity UK recommends the usage of low refined carbohydrates and a high healthy high-fat diet (i.e non-processed) as an acceptable, effective and safe approach for preventing weight gain and aiding weight loss. NOF also suggested avoiding processed foods like skimmed milk and yoghurt.

Having said that one should not ignore the fact that studies over the years have also stressed on maintaining low sugar intake and increased physical activity like our ancestors who rarely encountered diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Besides reducing one’s waist line, higher physical activity keeps one younger looking, strengthens muscles, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis or bone breakage in old age. 

Tazeen Hasan – Media Bites Editorial