Why is it recommended to limit fat intake when attempting to lose weight?
Fat is higher in calories than carbohydrates or protein. Protein and carbohydrates have approximately 4 calories per gram vs. 9 calories per gram of fat. There is evidence that ingestion of fat has less of an effect on satiation (the internal state that leads to termination of eating activity) than do carbohydrates or proteins. Additionally, there is experimental evidence that obese individuals tend to oxidize (metabolize) fat less effectively than lean individuals, which may predispose to fat being stored rather than used as an energy source. Thus it is best to limit fat intake in order to lose and maintain a lower body weight.
