Why is this message so important?

I believe this message is important to convey to people because people often see packaging labeled "low-fat" or "reduced fat" and believe that it is healthier for them [2]. This is a real problem because it tricks those who are really trying to be healthy and lose weight into choosing food that may be even worse for them causing them to to more drastic measures to reduce their weight.

Who really needs to hear this message?

The message that most low-fat foods should be avoided should be heard by anyone who is trying trying to loose weight by changing their eating habits through minor or intense dieting.

So, why should they be avoided? It's in the name isn't it?

The real issue with low-fat foods isn't that there isn't as much fat in them, it's what they replace the fat with [1]. As I'm sure you've noticed, fatty foods (usually) get most of their flavor from the fat that is inside of them. If food companies got rid of the majority of the fat in their products without replacing the fat with something else that would give the food favor, those who are just looking for something tasty to eat would not purchase the new low-fat products. What these companies have done is get the best of both markets of people looking to loose weight and those just looking for something good.

What replaces the fat?

A lot of the time, the fat in low-fat products is replaced with a lot of sugar [1]. This can be a major problem since sugar has a much different effect on your body than fat does and can pose a more significant risk.

What makes sugar worse than fats?

While saturated fat has been shown to lead to heart disease and other medical issues, it has actually been shown that monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can have significant health benefits such as reduced inflammation, a decrease in blood pressure, and an increase in HDL [1]. While sugar and carbs as a whole shouldn't be cut out of your diet completely, an excess of sugar can cause significant problems related to heart disease. One of the ways sugar leads to heart disease is the way sugar is metabolized or digested in the body. While fat is digested slowly through your intestines, sugar starts to be digested right away causing insulin levels to increase making you feel hungrier [1] as well as overloading your liver and producing body fat in or near the liver which can accumulate over time and lead to fatty liver disease which contributes to the development of diabetes which increases risk of heart disease [3].

So, should sugar and carbs be avoided all together and it's time to load up on unsaturated fats?

No, definitely no. Carbs are an essential source of short-burst energy and are eaten commonly by athletes before a workout and when eaten without excess, can be completely fine for your health [4]. The problem this article is addressing is not that carbs are evil, it's that the marketing for low-fat food are damaging to those seeking a healthy lifestyle and diet. It is always important to get a healthy balance of nutrients that your body needs to function. Not all low-fat foods replace the fat with sugars, always read the food label and not just the number of calories and the big label saying that it's "healthy".

Please note that I am not a medical professional and that this is for a high school project.

Works Cited

[1] Business Insider - Why eating fat won't always make you gain weight

[2] International Food Information Council Foundation - One-Third of Americans Are Dieting, Including One in 10 Who Fast … While Consumers Also Hunger for Organic, “Natural” and Sustainable

[3] Harvard Medical School - The sweet danger of sugar

[4] Everyday Health - Carbohydrates: Your Body’s Most Important Source of Fuel