Low-fat diet

The term low-fat (English: "low fat" ) refers to a form of diet in which the fat content of food is limited. In low-fat diets, this figure is 10-30 percent of the recorded fuel energy.

Theory

A gram of fat contains 38.9 kilojoules and 9.3 kilocalories. Carbohydrates and proteins, however, contain only about 17.2 kJ (4.1 kcal) per gram. Thus for the same amount of food, the power supply can be lowered, by fat is replaced by the carbohydrates and proteins. The supply of energy is the major factor in influencing the body weight.

For the rise of obesity (overweight) in developed countries usually of high fat consumption is blamed, so many doctors recommend diets contain a reduced fat content. The German Nutrition Society recommends the inclusion of a maximum of 60 to 70 grams of fat per day. According to research, the German population was on average takes but a day more than 100 grams of fat to be.

It is crucial for weight reduction, as with all other diets also to achieve over a longer period of negative energy balance in total, for a total of less energy ( calories) to take when consumed.

In a study by the Department of Medicine at George Washington University has been shown that a vegan low-fat diet compared with a conventional reducing diet was superior ( as recommended by the American Diabetes Association). The low-fat group took an average of 6.5 kg from, whereas the conventional group only 3.1 kg. Here, also showed a greater health benefit in the low-fat group in reducing the harmful LDL cholesterol and a positive effect on glycemic control and the lipid profile of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Studies

For all dietary measures that not every in every case is suitable. Initial posted used a diet with carbohydrate reduction in some studies better results than low-fat diets, but for which there is significant better data for a successful long-term weight maintenance over the years. Combined with increased physical activity and a higher percentage of protein low-fat diets for many seem to be the more promising dietary long-term strategy.

However, a meta-analysis of 2008 in the journal Obes Rev suggested a larger carbohydrate reduced effectiveness against low-fat diets on, as well as a comparative study in 2008.

Health aspects

A U.S. meta-analysis of 2010 showed that a reduction in saturated fatty acids in the diet has no positive effect on the vascular system and thus the probability of heart disease and cerebral infarctions not decreased.

By contrast, show some lowfat studies significant health benefits, such as reducing LDL cholesterol, a reduction of triglycerides, a reduction of chronic inflammation, a reduction of insulin levels by 46 %, the relief of the metabolic syndrome in adults and children, the reduction of high blood pressure and the control of diabetes, so that 74% of participants were deposed, the oral diabetes medications.

Special shapes

• Pritkin Diet