Myth: You can eat more foods if they are low-fat or fat-free.

Answer: Busted

When people see low-fat or fat-free, they usually eat more. However, just because a food label says low-fat or fat-free it does not mean you get an all-you-can-eat pass. In reality, when fat is taken out of foods, sugar and carbohydrates are added to keep the food tasting good. This may get rid of the fat, but not the calories. Next time you are at the store, compare two types of the same food. You shouldn’t be surprised if you find that the low-fat and the regular food item are almost the same number of calories!

And remember, weight depends on total calories taken in. Don’t be fooled by the low-fat or fat-free label!

Want to check out more information on this or other health topics? Visit the Missouri Families website.

Guest Contributor: Eva Hightaian, Nutrition Intern at the University of Missouri
Co-Author: Donna Mehrle, MPH, RD, LD, mehrled@missouri.edu, University of Missouri Extension