As we have accepted more low-fat foods into our daily diets, a number of misconceptions have arisen about them. Check your knowledge on these:

• Americans have successfully cut the amount of fat in their diets. There is evidence that we have reduced the percent of calories from fat in our diets. However, that is because we have increased our overall calorie intake, not reduced the amount of fat.

• Reduced-fat foods are the solution to obesity. These can help us manage the amount of fat and calories we eat, but are not the answer in themselves. To lose weight, one must take in less energy (eat fewer calories) and expend more energy (burn calories) through increased physical activity.

• Americans are getting fatter because they are overeating fat-free and low-fat foods. There is no evidence that overeating these foods is related to the increasing incidence of obesity. Studies have shown that people who eat these products eat about the same amount as those eating regular foods. Obesity occurs when more calories are consumed than are used.

• Low-fat means low-calorie. Not necessarily - a product that is lower in fat may or may not have fewer calories.

• Fat-free means taste-free. Although some of the earliest fat-free products didn’t meet taste expectations, they have improved considerably. If fat-free products are not satisfactory, try a low-fat version. Just a little fat can make a big difference in taste.

Related information: Diet | Eat heart-healthy