Obesity is a global problem that seems to have a simple solution – better control over what you eat. However, managing food consumption in the United States is not as easy as it might seem. In fact, the obesity problem can even be traced back to an attempt by the National Food Administration based on a false premise.
The premise is simple, eating fat will make you fat. The idea was and is not supported by science, but it still forms part of the recommended diet in the United States. Due to the support of the government, many people chose to follow. This is an adjustment that is understandable at first, as it is the result of a proposed solution in the public interest. When U.S. President Eisenhower suffered a heart attack in 1955, the fear was brought to the fore with widespread public attention to cardiovascular health to prevent heart disease.
Events affecting the President naturally receive a great deal of attention, speculation, and, if necessary, investigations. Years later, his advocacy continues despite evidence that low-fat diets are bad for cardiovascular health.
Clearly, a high-carb, high-sugar alternative to the usual high-fat diet is much less healthy. In fact, it’s more harmful in the specific way it’s designed to prevent, because a high-carb or high-sugar diet raises cholesterol levels.
This topic examines the emergence of “low-fat diets” and the evidence, or lack thereof, to support this approach. Industry experts, investigative journalists, medical experts, research participants and those most affected by widely accepted dietary advice share what they think is the best way forward.
It’s interesting how doctors change their strategies, and even get shocked by the difference in results, as they abandon the recommended approach and adjust what actually produces results. The patients’ remissions were also impressive, as a surprising number of them were able to forego injections and other diet and exercise plans that didn’t really get them better anyway. The short time required to produce results is another interesting feature.
If you’re interested in the concept of food-based medicine, or simply in true nutrition education, this will be an insightful look for you.
Directed by: Jennifer Isenhart
