WHO Issues First Guidelines on Amount of Fat in Diet

Health agency recommends limiting saturated fat to 10% of diet, and trans fat to 1%
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 4, 2018 2:20 PM CDT
WHO: For Better Health, Keep Saturated Fat to 10%
An overweight person in London enjoys a meal.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, file)

The World Health Organization is taking on the battle of the bulge, saying that saturated fats should not exceed 10% of your diet. In its first draft guidelines on fat intake, the UN health agency said to avoid piling on the pounds, both adults and children should ensure that no more than 10% of their calories come from saturated fat, per the AP. Saturated fat is found in butter, milk, meat, eggs, and chocolate, among other items.

WHO said only 1% or less of calories should be from trans fat, commonly found in baked and fried foods, processed foods, and cooking oils. WHO's draft advice largely matches similar nutritional guidelines in Britain and the US. The agency says it will consider external comments before the recommendations are finalized.

(More World Health Organization stories.)

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