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Low-fat foods help keep weight off
But study says it doesn't help lose weight in the first place
October 28, 1996
Web posted at: 9:30 p.m. ESTFrom Correspondent Eugenia Halsey
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Surveys show more than 90 percent of Americans eat low-fat or sugar-free foods, but do they really help prevent obesity? New research suggests low fat foods can help keep the pounds off, but they don't necessarily help take the pounds off.
When researchers in Britain convinced people to casually use reduced fat and sugar free foods, most ate less fat and sugar overall, but made up the calories in other foods. Few of the study participants actually lost weight.
"For people who are overweight or obese and are trying to lose weight, it clearly takes a greater effort than simply casual use of reduced fat or reduced sugar foods," said David Mela of the Institute of Food Research.
However, three studies on the fat substitute Olestra showed that people did not tend to make up the calories or fat elsewhere.
"As far as we can tell, there was not compensation, and it appeared to be that it would be helpful for people trying to control their weight," said Jennifer Lovejoy, with Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
The consumer group that blew the whistle on Chinese food, theater popcorn and other high-fat foods says Americans need to eat more fruits and vegetables rather than relying on fat and sugar substitutes.
"Unfortunately, the public has missed that message because mostly what they've heard about is fat free cakes, cookies, and potato chips, and that's really a shame," said Bonnie Liebman of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Health experts say while these foods may help satisfy your sweet tooth or your cravings for fat, they do not give license to eat all you want.
Related stories:
- Olestra prompts a fat-free food fight - October 1, 1996
- FDA sends new diet pill back for more research - September 26, 1996
- Rise up, Americans, and exercise! - July 7, 1996
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