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Is diet and weight loss advice flawed?

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Is diet and weight loss advice flawed?

The National Obesity Forum (NOF) has claimed that NHS diet and weight loss advice to avoid fat and lower cholesterol is flawed, sparking a row with Public Health England (PHE).

In a new report co-authored by the Public Health Collaboration, the NOF criticises official advice to avoid foods with a high saturated fat content, arguing that there should be no maximum intake recommendation for fat. Instead, the report blames snacking, starchy carbohydrates and sugar for the rise in obesity and advises people to eat more ‘whole foods’ such as meat, fish and dairy, as well as healthy, high fat foods such as avocados and nuts.

Professor David Haslam, NOF chair, said: “Current efforts have failed – the proof being that obesity levels are higher than they have ever been, and show no chance of reducing despite the best efforts of Government and scientists.”

Hitting back, Professor John Newton, PHE chief knowledge officer, said: “Suggesting people should eat more fat, cut out carbs and ignore calories conflicts with the broad evidence base and internationally agreed interpretations of it.”

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