Government criticises report calling for people to eat more fat

Government body Public Health England has criticised a new report suggesting that eating more fat can be healthy as irresponsible and potentially misleading to the public.

An opinion paper published by the National Obesity Forum and the newly-formed Public Health Collaboration made the suggestion that eating more fat, cutting out carbohydrates and ignoring calories could be a healthy dietary approach.

Public Health England said this advice conflicts with the available evidence and the current international consensus on nutritional health, noting that the report does not represent a systematic review of all the relevant evidence.

For example, it was noted that the paper highlighted a trial suggesting high dairy intake reduced the risk of obesity, while ignoring a systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 trials that came to the opposite conclusion.

As such, Public Health England reiterated its stance that people should base meals on starchy carbohydrates, eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, and reduce consumption of saturated fat, salt, sugar and calories.

Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer at Public Health England, said: "As the organisation that advises the government on dietary guidelines, it would be irresponsible for us to not engage with those who produce and market the food we all eat."