ABSTRACT
I n t ro d u c t i o n Obesity is a known risk factor for coronary heart disease (1) as well as part of the metabolic syndrome, leading to hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia (2). Despite the fact that obesity is a complex disorder involving interactions between genes and the environment, epidemiologic studies indicated the existence of a strong relation between the amount of dietary fat consumed and the incidence of overweight/obesity (3). Numerous dietary and physical activity programs designed to promote weight loss have appeared, but obese participants rarely lose weight permanently or maintain their body mass index (BMI) in the normal range because the weight lost is often regained (4,5). An explanation for this weight regain may be a lack of discipline in following a diet program. Because fat is not only an essential energy source but contributes to palatability in foods, a person is less likely to tolerate a low-fat diet for an extended period of time.
