Can Saturated Fat Lead to Belly Fat?

Recently, Swedish researchers studied to see if excess saturated fat could lead to increases in belly fat. They fed 37 young, lean people an average of three 250-calorie muffins per day that were made with either palm oil (saturated fat) or sunflower oil (polyunsaturated fat). The portion size of muffins was based on a calculation that would cause each participant to gain 3 percent of their initial weight.

Both groups gained 3.5 pounds worth of fat or muscle after 7 weeks. However, the weight gained by the group who consumed the saturated fat was mostly visceral belly fat, versus the group who ate the polyunsaturated fat gained muscle.

What does this mean? It's a good idea to replace saturated fats like red meats, dairy, and butter with polyunsaturated fats such as oil, fish, and nuts. By doing so you should be able to lower your risk of heart disease.

Reference: Nutrition Action, July/August 2014, Sat Fat & Belly Fat, p.9.