Lowering Fat Intake May Be Futile.

People who lower their fat or carbohydrate intake in an attempt to lose weight might be in for a bigger battle than they expected. A study at Ohio State University, Columbus, found that those who ate low-fat or low-carbohydrate lunches compensated by eating more fat or carbohydrates at other meals. The result was that participants consumed similar levels of fat and carbohydrates each day, regardless of how healthy their lunch was, indicates John Allred, professor of nutrition. The findings suggest that the brain's biochemical signals may play a major role in food choices, at least where fat, carbohydrates, and total calories are concerned.

The study followed 25 male college students for three weeks. Each was given a Carnation Instant Breakfast shake for lunch every day. Some were made with whole milk and contained 614 calories. Some were made with skim milk and contained 516 calories. Some...