The Journal of nutrition
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The Journal of nutrition · Feb 2000
ReviewDietary fat intake and regulation of energy balance: implications for obesity.
Obesity represents a major threat to health and quality of life. Although obesity has strong genetic determinants, the increasing prevalence of obesity in populations around the world suggests that environmental factors are promoting or exacerbating the problem. Experts are calling for public health efforts to deal with the global epidemic of obesity. ⋯ In this paper, we review evidence from animal studies, carefully controlled laboratory studies, cross-sectional studies, clinical trials and studies in individuals at high risk to develop obesity. Although there are many environmental factors promoting excess energy intake and discouraging energy expenditure, it is clear that consumption of a high fat diet increases the likelihood of obesity and that the risk of obesity is low in individuals consuming low fat diets. On the basis of the available data, the current public health recommendations to lower dietary fat intake appear to be appropriate.