Abstract
Literature relating to the relative contribution of dietary fat and carbohydrates in the control of body weight is reviewed. Relations among energy intake, body weight and diet composition and the effect of diet composition on energy metabolism are discussed. Although energy intake is increased by the energy density rather than fat content of the diet, fat content seems to contribute to the regulation of food intake especially in obese subjects. It is concluded that in normal weight subjects the energy value of carbohydrates and fats are equivalent. Overweight subjects should be advised to limit fat intake to amounts consistent with organoleptic acceptability of food.Literature relating to the relative contribution of dietary fat and carbohydrates in the control of body weight is reviewed. Relations among energy intake, body weight and diet composition and the effect of diet composition on energy metabolism are discussed. Although energy intake is increased by the energy density rather than fat content of the diet, fat content seems to contribute to the regulation of food intake especially in obese subjects. It is concluded that in normal weight subjects the energy value of carbohydrates and fats are equivalent. Overweight subjects should be advised to limit fat intake to amounts consistent with organoleptic acceptability of food.