Yes, it does.  Dietary fats are essential to give your body energy and to support cell growth.  They also help protect your organs and help keep your body warm.  Fats help your body absorb some nutrients and produce important hormones, too. Your body definitely needs fat – but not as much fat as most people eat. 

Yes, it does.  Dietary fats are essential to give your body energy and to support cell growth.  They also help protect your organs and help keep your body warm.  Fats help your body absorb some nutrients and produce important hormones, too. Your body definitely needs fat – but not as much fat as most people eat. 

There are nine calories in every gram of fat, regardless of what type of fat it is.  That’s a lot of calories compared to carbohydrates and proteins, which contain four calories per gram. 

Because fats are so energy-dense, consuming high levels of fat – regardless of the type – can lead to taking in too many calories.  That can lead to weight gain or being overweight.  Consuming high levels of saturated or trans fats can also lead to heart disease and stroke.  Health experts generally recommend replacing saturated fats and trans fats with monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats – while still limiting the total amount of fat you consume.

A healthy diet can include the foods you love.  You don’t have to avoid sugary or salty treats entirely, but you do need to eat less of these foods since they’re low in nutrition and high in calories.  For practical tips, check out the Nutrtion Center.