Kerri WaldronSUPERMARKETS offer a wide variety of foods suitable for different diets, including those focused on weight loss or healthy eating.
But some of these seemingly diet-friendly foods could be doing more harm than good, a doctor has warned.
From fat-free yoghurts to low-fat ready meals and sauces, thousands of Brits trying to slim down are reaching for products labelled as healthier options.
But Professor Franklin Joseph, head of Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, said ditching fat completely could backfire – especially when it comes to tackling stubborn weight around the middle.
According to the expert, many of these so-called slimming foods are highly processed and loaded with sugar and starch.
“Just because it says ‘low-fat’ doesn’t mean it’s good for weight loss,” he said.
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“These foods often strip out the fat but pack in sugar, gums and additives – and that combination can actually drive hunger and fat gain.”
“Your body needs fat for hormone regulation and satiety.
“Take it away and replace it with sugar, and you’ve got the perfect storm for increased cravings – especially around the waistline.”
Fat-free – but not healthy?
Many popular ‘diet’ foods rely on ingredients like maltodextrin, glucose syrup or modified starches to maintain taste and texture – but this can spike blood sugar and insulin, encouraging fat storage around the stomach.
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And with ultra low-fat, high-carb eating plans gaining popularity again on platforms like TikTok and YouTube – including the recent rise of so-called “sugar diets” – Prof Joseph said people may unknowingly be sabotaging their fat loss.
“It’s a trap we’ve seen for decades – low-fat food that ends up making people hungrier,” he said.
“Now we’re seeing a resurgence of sugar-heavy, fat-free diets being pushed online – but the science doesn’t support long-term success.
“These trends can be misleading.
“They sound clean and simple, but they often promote foods that don’t fill you up and don’t support metabolic health.”
The smarter swaps
Instead of avoiding all fats, Prof Joseph advised including small amounts of healthy fats from foods like olive oil, seeds, avocado and nuts – alongside high-fibre carbs and lean protein.
“Healthy fats can actually reduce cravings, regulate blood sugar and help you feel full,” he said.
“That’s far more effective than snacking on fat-free yoghurts or low-fat cereal bars all day.
“It’s not about banning foods – it’s about recognising that real, minimally processed meals are better than ultra-processed products with a diet label.”
How to blast belly fat WITHOUT going to the gym or dieting
Chew your food
This mindfulness trick is used to focus your brain on the food you are eating – how it tastes and feels – rather than scoffing it in a hurry. If the brain does not register that you have eaten, you’ll soon crave more food.
Avocado a day
Eating avocado every day can fight visceral fat in women, which collects around the organs in the stomach and can lead to diabetes, heart attack, and some cancers, according to a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign study of 105 people.
Avoid fizzy drinks
Losing belly “fat” may just be a case of preventing bloating, which can be onset by fizzy soft drinks. Instead, keep hydrated with water.
Reduce alcohol
Alcohol does no favours at all for our health or figures. It is ’empty calories’, meaning it contributes to your calorie intake without giving any nutritional benefit.
Hangovers can also lead you to eat more fatty foods, while putting you off exercising.
Sleep more
Various studies have shown that if you’re not sleeping well, it can cause weight gain.
People are more likely to crave junk food when they are sleep deprived because, not only are they in need of an energy boost, but their appetite hormones are all over the place.
Reduce stress
Stress causes an imbalance of hormones, particularly cortisol. This hormone has been linked with obesity and excess belly fat.
Find ways to reduce your stress to avoid the so-called ‘stress belly’.
Source: bing.com
