The Big Fat Truth!

Seems all we talk about today is the worrying amount of sugar in our food and how we should limit consumption of it. I don’t know about you, but didn’t they say the same thing about fats twenty years ago and nothing changed in curbing the crisis of growing obesity? Are fats even to blame for the obesity crisis we have today?

The answer, as always, is far complex in answering as our knowledge on how the body deals with food has developed considerably. Fats as we learnt are essential in the development of the body, dealing with a vast array of complex mechanisms; complementing neurones in sending electrical signals, protecting vital organs from damage and storing essential minerals and vitamins! Tho fat does have such benefits, it comes with a dark side too, as excessive consumption could lead to a excess of fats within the body. Like anything in excess, it comes with adverse health effects ranging from the clogging of arteries, increased blood pressure and even increased risks of certain cancers.

Knowing that fats are essential, its important not to forget the consumption of it as essential, however curbing excessive consumption is the right answer in dealing with the growing obesity pandemic. In terms of how much you should consume is completely dependent on a variety of factors including sex, age, weight and ethnic background. An average taken from public health England suggests consumption of fats for 19-64 year old’s should be as follows: males should consume on average 97g per day on a 2500Kcal diet, with females said to consume total of 78g per day on a 2000Kcal diet

The types of fats consumed can also affect your health considerably. Saturated fats should be consumed far less than unsaturated fats, and the

more unsaturated fats you consume in replacement of trans fats and saturated fats has been proven to lower cholesterol, and reduce your risk of heart disease.

(2500Kcal diet male) (2000Kcal diet Female)