Pros and Cons of Fat Reducers

Jan 8

The FDA is approving Orlistat - a new drug which interferes with the body’s ability to absorb fat. This results in a de facto reduction in dietary fat. According to advanced billing, it promises to reduce absorption of about 1/3 of the fat in a given meal by blocking lipase. So a 30% fat diet would become in effect, a 20% fat diet. This results in a de facto 10% reduction in calorie density so it is likely that it will produce a modest weight loss. Of course it will also cause a modest amount of fat in the stool and the physiological consequences of all this extra fat in the colon may not be harmless. Orlistat will reduce the absorption of fat soluble vitamins and fat soluble phytochemicals which is a cause for concern. Because SFA and cholesterolabsorption will be reduced, Orlistatwill reduce serum cholesterol modestly in most people.Olean, now found in some fat free salty snacks, is similar nutritionally to mineral oil. It can cause digestive problems if consumed in quantity. Wow Potato Chips, made with Olean, have half the caloric density of regular potato chips but at 1200 calories per pound, they are still calorie-dense. Like Orlistat, they will aid weight loss if substituted for fatty chips (2300 to 2750 calories per pound) but I do not see them as being of much practical value for weight loss. There is concern about the major loss of carotenoids in the stool of people consuming even modest amounts of sucrose polyester. This loss of carotenoids could increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.The best of the bunch of new fat substitutes and fat blockers will likely be Nu-Trim, which is made from beta-glucan, the soluble fiber in oats. Nu-Trim can replace up to 75% of the fat in muffins and ice cream without significant changes in taste or texture. As a soluble fiber, it will probably improve colon function as most people eat too little fiber. It will lower cholesterol by allowing the reduction of milk fat in ice cream and trans fatty acids in muffins; additionally, its soluble fiber will lower cholesterol and insulin response when added to the diet. Unlike Orlistat and Olean, it will not lead to significant nutrient and phytochemical losses. Perhaps its only drawback is that it cannot be used to fry foods the way Olean can.By Dr. Jay Kenney, PhD, RD, FACN.

Dr James J Kenneyfat

Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

Judy’s passion for cooking began with helping her grandmother make raisin oatmeal for breakfast. From there, she earned her first food service job at 15, was accepted to the world-famous Culinary Institute of America at 18 (where she graduated second in her class), and went on to the Fachschule Richemont in Switzerland, where she focused on pastry arts and baking. After a decade in food service for Hyatt Hotels, Judy launched Food and Health Communications to focus on flavor and health. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude distinction from Johnson and Wales University with a BS in Culinary Arts, holds a master’s degree in Food Business from the Culinary Institute of America, two art certificates from UC Berkeley Extension, and runs a food photography & motion studio where her love is creating fun recipes and content.

Judy received The Culinary Institute of America’s Pro Chef II certification, the American Culinary Federation Bronze Medal, Gold Medal, and ACF Chef of the Year. Her enthusiasm for eating nutritiously and deliciously leads her to constantly innovate and use the latest nutritional science and Dietary Guidelines to guide her creativity, from putting new twists on fajitas to adapting Italian brownies to include ingredients like toasted nuts and cooked honey. Judy’s publishing company, Food and Health Communications, is dedicated to her vision that everyone can make food that tastes as good as it is for you.

Pros and Cons of Fat Reducers

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