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Fat Facts: Fat or Fiction

Summary & Participants

In our weight-conscious culture, fat is usually viewed as the enemy. But fat is an essential part of every healthy diet. The key is keeping it under control -- and distinguishing good fat from bad fat. Join our panel of nutrition experts as they discuss how fat can -- and should -- be a part of a healthy lifestyle.

Medically Reviewed On: July 10, 2008

Webcast Transcript

CHERYL WILLS: Thank you for tuning into our webcast. I'm Cheryl Wills. For people who are trying to lose weight, fat is often viewed as the enemy. But we do need fat in order to survive, and there are good fats and bad fats. In this webcast, we'll distinguish between the two and talk about how you can make sure you're getting the right kind.

Joining me to discuss this issue is Samantha Heller. She's a registered dietitian and Senior Clinical Nutritionist at New York University Medical Center. Thanks for joining us Samantha.

Also here, Martha McKittrick. She's a registered dietitian at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Thank you for joining us.

CHERYL WILLS: When anyone goes to the supermarket, they see "fat-free." What does that mean? Is that good for us?

MARTHA MCKITTRICK, RD, CDE: That's a problem. For example, there are a lot of fat free cookies. They are loaded with sugar, loaded with calories. In our minds we're thinking it's fat free, so it's low calorie. I can eat it.

CHERYL WILLS: Because the operative word is fat.

MARTHA MCKITTRICK, RD, CDE: It's fat. But if you are trying to watch your weight, you need to limit your calories. So, I don't recommend eating those products. If you do, eat in moderation. I'm talking about the cookies and those kind of things. I definitely recommend fat-free dairy products, cheese, maybe some low-fat margarine in the soft tub. But, you need to be careful with the fat-free cookies and crackers. It does not mean low calorie.

SAMANTHA HELLER, RD: I think what we also really want to remember is that the manufacturers don't care if you're getting fat, and they don't care if you're getting heart disease. They want you to buy your product. They're going to put labels all over it to distract you from looking at the reality of the product, which is "Oh look, two of these fat free cookies are 200 calories." Those are probably 200 calories you really don't need.

CHERYL WILLS: What's the range? Between 20 percent and 30 percent of fat in a daily diet?

SAMANTHA HELLER, RD: Yes. I usually recommend 20.

MARTHA MCKITTRICK, RD, CDE: I recommend 20 or 25. There is some evidence that some people might do better with even a little higher. But, it has to be from mono or unsaturated fats.

Some people who have higher triglycerides or low HDL levels might do better with a little bit higher. But it cannot be just from saturated fat. Saturated fat we recommend as low as possible. 8 percent or less of your calories should come from saturated. I agree with Samantha. I think 20 percent to 25 percent is a good range.

CHERYL WILLS: Martha, thank you. Samantha, thank you as well. Of course, as our two registered dietitians just suggested, fat does not have to be a dirty word. There are good fats and bad fats. It's up to you to make the right decision.

Thanks for joining our webcast today. I'm Cheryl Wills.