THE CAUSES OF OBESITY: THE FAT-FREE FOOD TRAP

It's true that we should limit the fat in our diets, but several years ago a major campaign by food retailers convinced us that by eliminating fat completely, we could prevent ourselves from becoming fat. That's not the way it works, though. If it were, we wouldn't be seeing such a rise in obesity running parallel to the rising availability of fat-free foods. The truth is that the body needs a balanced diet, one that includes proteins, carbohydrates, and good fats. We require essential fatty acids in our diet to preserve good health, and when we totally eliminate fat from our diet, the imbalance sets off cravings that make us prone to binges. Afterward we feel mad at ourselves for losing control and hopeless as our lost weight returns. It's not really our fault, however, because we are only reacting to our body's need for fat—good fat, such as that found in foods such as salmon, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, and uncooked flaxseed oil.

You should know that overrestriction of fat will adversely affect your looks, and it can even endanger your health. A fat-free diet will result in weak nails and lackluster hair and may lead to depression, kidney damage, and liver injury. Women who eliminate too much fat from their diet may stop menstruating. It's especially important to give overweight children enough good fatty acids. Young people need good fats to feed their rapidly growing brains and nervous systems and to have adequate energy to support their active lifestyles. Eating sufficient amounts of good fats may even help to prevent such childhood epidemics as attention deficit disorder, asthma, allergies, and earaches.

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