Diet is a BIG headache for many and a matter for earning money for some. Its a fact that a large part of the population in developed countries as well as the population in the fastest growing "developing" countries face this challenge of over weight and obesity.
Hundreds of articles related to obesity are available on the Internet as well as in print. Consequently our understanding of the problem has increased significantly over the years. In fact, there is a separate branch of science which deals with this kind of problems, the obesity research, and it is not surprising to see millions of dollars have been spent on this subject.
Well, to the general audience, low carb diets are essential to curb obesity. This statement is true. An article published in TIMES magazine throws some light on some of the myths associated with carbohydrate diets and FAT.
“……And if you're wondering whether Dean Ornish's low-fat diet will help you shed pounds better than Dr. Atkins' low-carb menu, the answer is simple: it doesn't matter…..”
They describe the issue….
“…
Q:Will eating a calorie of fat make you fatter than eating a calorie of carbohydrate?
A: From many kinds of studies conducted over years, we are quite confident now that a calorie from fat will cause a similar amount of weight gain as a calorie from carbohydrate. There are some interesting questions about whether eating carbohydrate calories versus fat calories will make you eat more calories, but based on what you put into your mouth, it's pretty clear that the source of the calories is really not important.
[Whether fats or carbohydrates are more filling] is one issue that's been raised — but it's been raised on both sides. The best way to get to the bottom line is to look at long-term studies where we randomize people to a high-fat/low-carb diet or to a low-fat/high-carb diet and follow them for at least a year or more. That kind of study takes into account the possibility that one kind of diet provides more satiety; so, over the long run you would see more weight loss on that diet. But those studies — half a dozen or more have been done — show quite clearly that the percentage of calories from fat has very little effect on long-term weight loss….”
Quite Significant, isn’t it?