What's New?

Press Release - 03 Novemeber 2011
A new e-resource on the importance of dietary fats

People are often confused about fat in the diet, and the term 'fats' may summon up negative thoughts about heart disease or obesity. Therefore, The Fat Panel, an independent group of experts, communicating objective information about dietary fats, have prepared a new e-resource on fats now available to healthcare professionals and their patients.

The e-resource, entitled 'Fat Matters II' has been created to support informed choices about the amount, and type, of fat in the diet which is important for health. It offers up-to-date and clear information on the importance of dietary fats - from practical eating tips to the science behind the fats - helping patients to choose a healthy, balance to suit their dietary needs.

Dr Sian Porter, dietician and member of The Fat Panel comments: "Many people in the UK are unsure of the facts about fat and which foods can offer healthier-fat alternatives. However, as we all need some fat as part of a balanced diet, it is important to ensure we are helping patients and clients make informed and healthy choices.

This up-to-date resource, Fat Matters II, offers latest thinking and recommendations including patient-friendly visuals. It is available online from The Fat Panel website,where a wide range of additional resources are provided which members of the public can access directly".

Almost one quarter of adults in England is obese¹ with many consumers feeling under pressure to cut back on certain foods such as those high in fat. However, this can lead to reducing intake of the wrong types of fat. Fat Matters II includes details on the important role of dietary fat including:

• Tissue repair
• Healthy skin
• Protecting the internal organs
• Transporting vitamins around the body
• Hormone metabolism

Fat Matters II is available online at www.thefatpanel.org.uk/fatmattersII.html

-ends-

¹The NHS Information Centre, Lifestyle Statistics. 'Statistics on obesity, physical activity and diet: England 2011'.. Feb 2011

Notes to editors

The Fat Panel is an independent group of experts, providing objective information about the important role of dietary fats. Please visit www.thefatpanel.org.uk

Fat Matters II includes some of the following information:

• Diet data from the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey
• A fat file, explaining the difference between dietary fats
• How essential fatty acids can benefits the different parts of the body
• Making sense of dietary guidelines

For further information, please contact:

Jenna Coles on jenna.coles@nexuspr.com or 020 7052 8854 or
Katie Stray on katie.stray@nexuspr.com or 020 7052 8859.