Ah, the fat-free paradox. Americans inhale fat-free ice cream by the pint and monitor fat grams more accurately than they monitor their checkbooks, yet the obesity rate in the United States continues to rise. What gives?

Judith Wylie-Rosett, EdD, RD, of the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee says, "We've done well in getting out the message about reducing fat intake," and she's right. More than 90 percent of American adults report consuming low- or reduced-fat foods, which has decreased the amount of fat in their diet overall. Americans have even nearly met the government's population-wide goal of limiting fat to 30 percent of total calories consumed. Nonetheless, there is still a misconception that consuming lower-fat foods eliminates the need to monitor portion size or total calories themselves.

According to a statement in the June 11, 2002, issue of Circulation, fat substitutes have succeeded in lowering fat in American diets, but because individuals who eat them seldom lose weight, the jury is still out on whether or not they provide a true health benefit. "There is nothing wrong with enjoying a reduced-fat confection, but it should be a treat," says Wylie-Rossett.