Gram for gram, fat contributes more kilojoules than protein or carbohydrate, so cutting back on it is a good start to reducing excess kilojoules. However, if you're still eating more kilojoules than you burn - it inevitably leads to unused energy that makes you gain weight.

And yet there's more to reducing fats in your diet than losing weight - the type of fat you eat is also important. The NZ Food and Nutrition Guidelines state people should "prepare foods or choose pre-prepared foods, drinks and snacks with minimal added fat, especially saturated fat".

So, your emphasis should be on limiting saturated fat. Reducing your overall fat intake is second priority.

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