Fats, Role in Diet

Americans are becoming obese at an increasing rate, primarily because they have failed to regulate body fat by controlling food intake and exercising more. The Harvard School of Public Health reports that 50 years ago, when 13% of American adults were obese and less than 1% had type 2 diabetes, they were consuming 45% of their calories from fats. Today, Americans consume 33% of their calories from fat, but obesity has climbed to 34% and type 2 diabetes has increased to 11%. Increases in chronic diseases have been attributed not to the amount of fat consumed but rather to the types of fats consumed. Thus, the role of fats in the American diet, and in health in general, is now considered a public health issue. ...