Low-fat diet debunked

A 10-year study of women finds no significant benefits to prevent disease
U.S. dietary guidelines recommend total fat intake between 20 percent and 35 percent of calories for adults, with saturated fats less than 10 percent of calories and most fats provided by polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, such as nuts, fish and vegetable oils.

Both groups started at 35 percent to 38 percent of calories from fat and the low fat group ate more vegetables, fruits and grains.

The average total fat intake for the diet group was reduced to 24 percent of calories by the end of the first year but did not meet the goal of 20 percent. By the sixth year, the low-fat diet group was consuming 29 percent of calories from fat.

The non-dieting group averaged 35 percent of calories from fat in the first year and 37 percent at the sixth year.