## ‘Low-Fat’ Foods Under Scrutiny: Expert Warns of Hidden Pitfalls in Diet Options
Britons striving to shed stubborn belly fat may inadvertently be working against their own goals by choosing popular ‘low-fat’ foods—so says a leading weight loss expert. Professor Franklin Joseph, who heads up Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, has sounded the alarm on the growing reliance on foods marketed as fat-free or low in fat, suggesting that these items could be silently exacerbating the problem they claim to solve.
Professor Joseph’s comments come as countless consumers reach for fat-free yoghurts, low-fat ready-meals, and similar products, believing them to be healthier alternatives that support their slimming ambitions. However, he warns that this focus on eliminating fat can sometimes backfire, particularly when it comes to fat that accumulates around the waist, commonly understood as belly fat.
The issue, Professor Joseph explains, lies in how these foods are made. By removing fat, manufacturers often compensate by adding significant quantities of sugar, starches or artificial additives to maintain taste and texture. “Just because it says ‘low-fat’ doesn’t mean it’s a smart choice for losing weight,” he said. “When you take away the fat but load a food with sugar, gums and other fillers, you often end up activating hunger and encouraging the types of cravings that can lead to weight gain.”
Nutrition science supports his view that dietary fat plays several crucial roles beyond simply calorie content. “Fat is important for hormone regulation and helping you feel satisfied after eating,” Professor Joseph added. “If you replace fat with sugar, the body is more likely to crave further food—particularly unhealthy options—setting the stage for increased belly fat.”
Another risk comes from ingredients commonly found in these ‘diet’ foods. Items like maltodextrin, glucose syrup and modified starches might be unfamiliar to many shoppers, yet are frequently used. While they help provide texture or prolong shelf life, these additives can cause rapid increases in blood sugar levels, which is widely believed to encourage the storage of fat, particularly in the abdominal region.
Despite extensive research showing that foods high in added sugar and processed carbohydrates are linked to weight gain and metabolic issues, the popularity of ultra low-fat, high-carbohydrate eating plans is on the rise once again. Notably, social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube are currently awash with influencers extolling the virtues of ‘sugar diets’ and fat-free regimes. Professor Joseph remains highly sceptical, saying, “We’ve seen this before, and it rarely produces long-lasting benefits. These trends may sound clean and simple, but in reality, they often just leave people hungrier and less satisfied—hardly a recipe for lasting health.”
In light of these concerns, he urges individuals to be wary of the latest diet fads and instead focus on incorporating healthy fats—such as those found in olive oil, seeds, avocados, and nuts—alongside high-fibre carbohydrates and lean proteins. “Nutrition isn’t about banning entire food groups,” he says. “Healthier fats actually help keep blood sugar steady, reduce unhealthy cravings, and provide a longer sense of fullness. That’s far better than spending all day nibbling on fat-free yoghurts or low-fat cereal bars, which often do little to support your body’s needs.”
Professor Joseph’s advice is to focus on minimally processed foods and adopt a balanced approach to eating, rather than relying on products simply because they carry a ‘diet’ or ‘low fat’ label. He suggests that a return to simpler, wholefood-based meals may offer more reliable results for those managing their weight and overall metabolic health.
As the debate continues about the best strategies for losing weight, particularly around the midsection, it’s clear that the foods we think of as healthy can sometimes undermine our best efforts. Experts like Professor Joseph hope that increased public awareness about food labelling and the true content of popular diet products will empower consumers to make better choices—choices based on sound science rather than the latest marketing trend or viral social media advice.
With the battle against belly fat as challenging as ever, perhaps a healthier relationship with what we eat, and closer attention to food labels, is a key part of the solution.