Can a Low-Fat Diet Help You Lose Weight?

What is a low-fat diet?

The phrase “low-fat diet” sounds buzzy and promising for people looking to lose weight. After all, fat = bad, right? Well…it’s actually a bit more complex than that. Low-fat diets are often recommended for people who need to lose weight, mainly because fats are dense and provide a lot of calories, which may lead to weight gain. But fats come in many different forms and some fats are essential for a healthy body. For example, if you’re constantly cold and have dry skin, you may not be getting the right fats. Health experts recommend getting less than 30 percent of your daily calories from fat. A low-fat diet is defined as a diet where fat makes up 20 percent or less of the calories one consumes, according to Rachel Fine, MS, RD, CSSD, CDN of To The Pointe Nutrition. In extreme low-fat diets (which are not recommended by doctors), fat makes up less than 10 percent of total calories, according to Healthline. If you eat a low-fat diet, be on the lookout for the signs you’re not getting enough healthy fats.

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