which is worst? fat or calories?

sappy1000

my friend raised this question the other day and i realised i couldn't answer it. does it depend on the fat (unsaturated/saturated) Is a high calorie/low fat diet more beneficial for fat loss than high fat low calorie diet?

Thanks in advance for feedback

_Zardoz_

Bit of a silly question really like most things moderation is the thing. You need fat and you need calories. Too much of either one is pretty bad.

krista4zeal

I agree with fatdoob. However I've also been told if you cut calories you will be cutting fat anyway. Whereas, if you only reduce your fat, you will still be likely to eat too much sugar and consume too many calories to lose weight.

BUT dairy products are high in fat but low in calories, so counting both is probably best, to make sure you get the right amount.

albertabeefy

Is a high calorie/low fat diet more beneficial for fat loss than high fat low calorie diet?

The answer is a resounding "maybe".

If the high-calorie/low-fat diet isn't restricting calories below TDEE, there will be no fat-loss.

If the low-calorie/high-fat diet is too low-calorie, there will be considerable lean-mass loss, not just fat-loss, and potentially other complications that affect the metabolism.

Regardless of macronutrient ratios, eating below your TDEE and above your BMR will result in a steady loss of weight. Strength-training in addition to a modest calorie restriction will help retain lean mass and result in a greater percentage of fat loss (vs. lean mass loss) overall.

And don't worry about saturated vs. unsaturated fats. Most fats, including saturated fats are healthy. It's trans-fats you really want to avoid, and things high in omega-6.

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

Low fat diets are bad. High fat diets are neither good nor bad so long as protein intake is adequate.fats are more satiating than carbs so high fat/low carb diets can reduce hunger.

albertabeefy

... and please don't think a "high fat" diet is unhealthy or doesn't lead to weight-loss. I generally eat around 70-75% of my calories from fat, and I've lost 16 pounds the past 4 weeks, and have some of the healthiest lab results you'll ever see.

Not everybody needs to eat the way I do - I have a specific medical reason, but I'm just pointing out it's NOT unhealthy.

EvgeniZyntx

A low fat, high calorie diet (in excess of dietary needs) will result in weight gain.
A high fat, low calorie diet will result in weight loss but nutrient deficiencies over time. However a LCHF may or may not be beneficial to weight loss (depends on what you read) and certain disease state.

Neither is bad. You need both. Quantity matters.

lhourin

I also eat about 65% of my calories as fat and now weigh less, have much better lab work (than when I ate low-fat), and look about as good as I did as a fitness model 10 years and 2 kids ago.

krhn

Bit of a silly question really like most things moderation is the thing. You need fat and you need calories. Too much of either one is pretty bad.

THIS! :blushing: