Watching Fat content vs Counting calories

rms705

Hi Everyone,

I am recently back on the MFP page/app and really working at loosing a few kgs. I had a friend tell me that her secret to loosing weight is to watch fat content rather than count calories, does anyone else do this and/or had success with this method? Thanks

foomachi

Hi Everyone,

I am recently back on the MFP page/app and really working at loosing a few kgs. I had a friend tell me that her secret to loosing weight is to watch fat content rather than count calories, does anyone else do this and/or had success with this method? Thanks

Although some people (including myself) do believe that the composition of your calories matters for weight loss, I think pretty much everyone agrees that the amount of calories you take in vs. the amount you expend is the primary factor determining weight loss.

However, fat is very calorie dense and if you eat less fat, you will probably consume fewer calories.

Also, my personal opinion is that it is more important to watch the kinds of fats you eat (e.g. olive oil is better than 'vegetable oil'), but not everyone will agree about that.

acogg

Fat is very calorie dense, as is sugar. You can eat low fat while eating lots of sugar and still maintain or gain. Calories matter the most. IMHO, balance in nutrition and moderate calories will keep you healthy and thin. Good luck!:flowerforyou:

diannethegeek

If you eat more calories than your body burns you will gain weight, no matter what those calories are made of. Alternately, if you eat more fat than your body needs in a day and you'll gain weight only if your calories are also too high. I suppose that it's up to you which you track.

But what does "watching" your fat mean? Would you be reducing your fat intake below what your body needs? Fat is incredibly important for vitamin absorbtion, cell health, etc. I would do a little reading before you drop fats from your diet.

wheird

Limiting your dietary fat is an antiquated concept from the 80's that was thoroughly debunked. Furthermore, restricting your dietary fat too severely impairs cellular function, vitamin absorption, hormone production, and a few other critical systems in your body. Weightloss is about the calorie deficit. Macros aid in your body composition.

But it is your choice and I support your right to do whatever you wish. :flowerforyou:

SLLRunner

Hi Everyone,

I am recently back on the MFP page/app and really working at loosing a few kgs. I had a friend tell me that her secret to loosing weight is to watch fat content rather than count calories, does anyone else do this and/or had success with this method? Thanks

No. the secret to losing weight is to eat less calories than you burn.

rms705

Thanks everyone for your imput. Everyone's comments have helped greatly