Does Body Weight Increase After Eating Food High In Fat?

Fat is an essential component to any diet as it aids the body in functioning well, according to Mayo Clinic. But foods high in fat are also usually higher in calories. This contributes to the misconception that all high fat foods will add inches to your waistline if not regulated. Fortunately, not all fats are created equal, and thus they can affect our bodies in different ways. Incorporating a moderate amount of healthy fats into your diet not only slims your waistline, but also nourishes the body.

Background

A combination of different types of fats is naturally found in various plants and animals. The human body also produces its own fat when excess calories have been consumed. The nutrition labels on food products are usually divided into the three macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates and fat. For a healthy diet, the U.S. Department of agriculture recommends that 45 percent to 65 percent of total calories should come from carbohydrates, 20 percent to 35 percent of total calories should come from fat and ten percent to 35 percent of total calories come from protein.

Healthy Fat

Monounsaturated fats are commonly found in heart healthy oils such as olive oil and peanut oil. According to a Swedish study conducted by Dr. Alicia Wolk, sources high in monounsaturated fats led to a decreased risk of breast cancer. Furthermore, olive oil is a crucial element of the Mediterranean diet and has been attributed with lowering rates of heart disease. Polyunsaturated fats are commonly found in plants as well as various types of fish. Omega-3, for instance, is a type of polyunsaturated fat found in salmon or tuna. This type of fat is responsible for regulating cholesterol, blood pressure and keeping type-II diabetes at bay.

Harmful Fat

There are primarily two types of harmful fats: saturated and trans fat. Saturated fat is commonly found in animal food products and has been known to increase cholesterol levels and put you at greater risk of type-II diabetes. Most trans fats are created during the food processing period via partial hydrogenation of unsaturated fats. This process improves the product's life span. A diet high in trans fat may lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels and put you at risk for cardiovascular disease. Either saturated fat or trans fat may be found in red meat products, margarine or butter.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that your overall diet and lifestyle plays a larger role in determining weight loss or gain than fat consumption alone. Not all fats are created equal and more important than looking at the fat percentage in an individual food product is your fat consumption overall. A healthy diet should consist of beneficial fats which ideally constitute between 20 percent to 35 percent of the day's total caloric value. According to Bruce Fife, N.D., Incorporating a moderate amount of healthy fat into your diet will not only improve your mood and suppress your appetite, but may also help you to lose those unwanted pounds as well.