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Dietary Fats and Medical Weight Loss in Scottsdale
By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center
Published: September 2, 2021
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There are many types of fats, and most foods contain a variety of fats. Your body produces its own fat from excess calories while some fats are found in foods from plants and animals. These are known as dietary fats. Dietary fats, along with protein and carbohydrates, provide your body with energy. Although many people think of fat negatively, it is essential to your health because it supports a number of your body’s functions. Not all fats are bad. In fact, some even promote good health.
However, some types of fats can become harmful and can put you at risk for serious medical conditions if found in excess. It is important to know the difference between the various types of dietary fats, especially if you are going through a medical weight loss program. If you are choosing good dietary facts, make sure to enjoy them in moderation.
Harmful Dietary Fats
There are two common types of harmful fats:
- Saturated fats. This is mostly found in animal foods such as butter, milk, cheeses and meats. Some tropical oils like coconut oil, palm oil and cocoa butter are also rich in saturated fats.
- Trans fats. Some trans fats are produced naturally in certain foods, but most are made during food processing. This process is called hydrogenation. Trans fats are found in processed foods, snack (junk) foods, salad dressings and foods made with shortening or partially hydrogenated oils.
These types of fats are harmful because they elevate cholesterol levels and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. These fats can hinder your medical weight loss if consumed frequently.
Healthier Dietary Fats
There are two common types of healthier fats:
- Monounsaturated fats. This type of fat can be found in foods and oils like avocado, olive oil, sunflower oil, nuts and peanut butter.
- Polyunsaturated fats. This is mainly found in plant-based foods and oils like soybean oil, tofu, soymilk and fatty fish like salmon or trout.
These “healthy fats” are said to lower cholesterol levels, lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk of heart disease. When trying to lose weight through medical weight loss, it’s good to keep these types of fats in mind when cooking with your medical weight loss meal replacements.
Know your Dietary Fats
It is important to be aware of the types of fats you are consuming. When you are working through your medical weight loss program, it is beneficial to know what you’re consuming and how much is enough. Talk to your doctor or weight loss specialist about the right amount of fats for your diet and generally shy away from highly processed foods that will contain high levels of trans fats. Take control of your diet and be aware of what’s harmful or helpful for your weight loss goals.
Nick
Nick's Story
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Gina
Lost 44.5 lbs
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I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More
Lauren
Lost 60 lbs
"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More
Chuck
Lost 66 lbs
"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.
You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.
Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More
Emily
Lost 101 lbs
"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More
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Meet Our Team
Robert Ziltzer, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA
Obesity Medicine Certified Physician
Diana Bone, FNP-C
Specializing in Obesity Medicine
Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA
Obesity Medicine Certified Physician
Kristen Ash, FNP-C, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Alicia Earley, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
