Lose weight by eating fat? Can this be true? Studies seem to prove. But experts warn that long-term results are lacking. The consumption of fatty foods should be at 30% of total energy, where their beneficial effects on the vascular system, vegetable oils and fats with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids should be preferred.

In the spring of 2003 appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine two articles which the superiority of a low-carbohydrate, high fat diet compared to a carbohydrate-rich diet with low fat content in relation to the weight loss showed. Some blood fats and insulin action were discussed at a low consumption of carbohydrates economies. The results surprised even experts, at least as far as the weight loss was concerned, but contains carbohydrate diet much fat and a lot of protein. Since the publication of these studies is therefore also in America, a rising prevalence of fatty diets for weight loss is observed, which, from a medical point of view.

The interpretation of this data is limited, that the duration of treatment, only 6 or 12 months and so far no long-term studies are available. The increased weight loss among a protein-and fat-rich diet is at least partly explained. Protein has the best macro-nutrients and a high saturated fat intake leads to an accelerated fat oxidation with the accumulation of ketone bodies in blood, which also slows the hunger.

The investigations were in addition to weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors, but not clinical effects such as myocardial infarction, stroke, cancer or mortality. A major reason for weight loss, however, is the avoidance of such fatty foods of excess. A high fat diet, for example in the form of the Atkins diet with foods such as meat, cheese and bacon, contains a lot of saturated fat. In large cohort studies with long-term observation, such as the Nurses' Health Study, but with high scientific evidence demonstrated that a high proportion of saturated fatty acids not only favors a heart attack and stroke, but probably also the formation of colon cancer.

Most recommends that due to lack of scientific evidence regarding positive health aspects currently no diets with a high proportion of animal fats. According to the current guidelines of the Society for the treatment of obesity should obese patients for weight loss a cost with a high proportion of complex carbohydrates and fiber, such as fruit, vegetables, cereals, rice and potatoes to eat. The consumption of fatty foods should be at 30% of total energy, where their beneficial effects on the vascular system, vegetable oils and fats with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids should be preferred.