America’s War on Fat: Why it Might Be Coming to an End

by Dr. Victor Marchione

Today, I have good news to share: it looks like a major war might be coming to an end, and I’m not talking about what’s happening on the other side of the world. I’m talking about one that’s happening right here at home—the war on dietary fat.

For almost 20 years (that is if you’re as old as me), you’ve heard fat is bad for you. In fact, you may remember when “low-fat” became synonymous with health. But the truth is that the war on fat being waged by food manufacturers and many of those in the diet, weight loss, and health industries is a fraud. These individuals are looking to cash in on your fears.

So what’s the truth? Fat isn’t bad for you, but the refined sugars that are used to replace “lost flavor” are. Simply put: sugar makes you fat.

Take a minute to think about it. Since “low-fat” became a trend, obesity rates have skyrocketed, heart disease has continued to be a problem, diabetes has become increasingly common and, overall, we’re less healthy as a nation. I point the finger at sugar, and I’m not alone.

I recently came across some new research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine that adds another layer to the mounting pile of evidence that fat is healthier—and better for your waistline—than carbohydrates. You see, these researchers from Tulane University tracked a group of low-carb dieters and a group of low-fat dieters for a year. Both groups ate a similar amount of calories per day, but the low-carb group lost an average of three times as much weight as the low-fat group.

The low-carb group consumed up to 43% of their daily calories from fat, including 12% from saturated fat. They only consumed about 28% of their daily calories from carbs, which included whole grains, fruits, and veggies.

Higher-fat diets contribute to weight loss by controlling insulin sensitivity. When you eat refined carbs, insulin is released in high doses to the bloodstream. Spiking insulin makes it very difficult for muscles to absorb nutrients, resulting in fat storage. This is why even though both diet groups were consuming a similar amount of calories, the low-carb group experienced substantially higher weight loss.

If you’re trying to get healthy and lose weight, don’t be scared of fat: embrace it. Lower your carb intake and you’re sure to see results.

Source for Today’s Article:

• Bazzano, L., et al., “Effects of Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets: A Randomized Trial,” Annals of Internal Medicine web site, September 2, 2014; http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1900694.

This article “America’s War on Fat: Why it Might Be Coming to an End” was originally published on DoctorsHealthPress, visit their site to access their vast database of articles and the latest information in natural health.

Victor Marchione, MD received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1973 and his Medical Degree from the University of Messina in 1981. He has been licensed and practicing medicine in New York and New Jersey for over 20 years. Dr. Marchione is a respected leader in the field of smoking cessation and pulmonary medicine. He has been featured on ABC News and World Report, CBS Evening News and the NBC Today Show and is the editor of the popular The Food Doctor newsletter. Dr. Marchione has also served as Principal Investigator in at least a dozen clinical research projects relating to serious ailments such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).