Have you ever bought a bag of low-fat cookies and ate a lot more than you intended to simply because you justified that they were low in fat? Recent research suggests that the emergence of low-fat treats and snacks might be actually contributing to weight gain, particularly in those who are overweight.

A study conducted at Cornell University found that people (especially those who are overweight) consumed 50% more calories when they ate a low-fat version of a snack. According to the study, which is posted in the Journal of Marketing Research,  normal-weight people consumed more food if they believed the low-fat choice they were consuming was relatively healthy (for example, whole wheat bread). On the other hand, overweight people consumed more food for any item labeled low fat, regardless if they perceived the food choice to be healthy or not.

This study indicates that major food manufacturers need to become more responsible with their labeling claims. Clearly, stating that a food item is low fat is symbolizing a green light to go ahead and eat all you would like to an overweight person, which could be contributing to the obesity problem. Obviously these companies are out to make money but the claims they are making about many of the food choices out there are confusing people and contributing to a lot of problems.

Many food labels claim that a food choice is low in fat but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will fit in your diet. A lot of these choices often replace sugar or unnatural ingredients for fat. For example, if you take a look at a typical bag of licorice the label claims that it’s 99% fat free, which it is, but it’s also high in sugar, simple carbohydrates and calories. The label for Twizzlers licorice says that a serving size is 4 pieces of licorice (when have you ever consumed just 4 pieces of licorice?) and contains 150 calories, 34g or carbs, 20g of sugar, and of course, 1g of fat.

The problem with the low fat versions of many of these food choices is they often aren’t as satisfying as their high fat counterparts. Many people will consume a treat such as a low-fat Oreo cookie only to still crave that same cookie after they have polished off five cookies. Which is why it may be more beneficial to allow yourself the occasional treat and enjoy it instead eating the low fat version.

Olestra, aspartame and other unnatural ingredients are supposed to be making us slimmer but instead we’re expanding. Tomorrow I’ll discuss the dangers of artificial sweeteners and how they can actually hinder instead of help your weight loss efforts.