Role of dietary fat in obesity. Fat is fattening

Abstract

Total caloric intake has not increased significantly over the last century as obesity increased, but there has been an increase in consumption of dietary fat. Its role in obesity is reviewed. Fat is the most concentrated form of calories in the diet; being compact, it contributes to overeating. High fat foods can be eaten faster with less chewing. Dietary fat is the most efficiently stored foodstuff, thus contributing to obesity. A low fat diet is an important adjunct to advising decreasing caloric intake for a weight reduction plan. Physicians should advise patients to decrease fat, not just "count calories."