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What is the best diet for weight loss?
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The ultra-low fat diet is the best way to lose weight

The ultra-low fat diet involves having no more than 10% calories from fat.

Context

In our current world there is constant pressure to maintain a desirable weight. Whether it be obese people looking to lose weight for health, or people feeling pressure from Instagram to keep off the pounds, people are always looking for ways to slim down. Health studies have shown that an ultra low fat diet can be the most effective way to achieve this.

The Argument

The emphasis in this diet is on the term 'ultra low'. This means that the amount of fat consumed is much less than in a 'low fat' diet. The ultra-low fat diet involves ensuring less than 10% of calorie intake is from fat, mostly by maintaining a diet high in carbs. The diet is therefore usually high in plant based foods. An ultra-low fat diet is usually recommended for people with the specific aim of losing weight. Fat is more calorie dense per gram than other nutrients such as protein and carbs. Every gram of fat contains around 9 calories, whereas there are only 4 calories per gram of protein and carbs. [1]The reasoning therefore follows that in order to quickly lose weight, less fat should be consumed. Studies in the US have shown that an ultra low fat diet is more effective than a low carb diet in reducing body fat. One study showed that those who followed an ultra low fat diet, lost '80% more than those cutting down on carbs.'[2] There are further proven health benefits of an ultra-low fat diet. An ultra-low fat diet helps to protect the body against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and even MS.[3]

Counter arguments

Fat is extremely important for the functioning of the body.[3] Fat helps build cells and to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, fat is what makes food taste good. A life without fatty foods is a life not worth living!

Proponents

Premises

[1] Fat is more calorie dense than other nutrients such as protein. [2] Cutting down on fat is therefore shown to aid weight loss.

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/do-low-fat-diets-work#low-fat-for-weight-loss
  2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-33905745
  3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-ultra-low-fat-healthy#what-it-is
This page was last edited on Wednesday, 8 Jul 2020 at 11:39 UTC