More Information

Why Our Bodies Need Fats

In This Section:

Why do we need fat in our diet?

  • Fat provides needed energy.  It is difficult to eat the large amounts of food in a very low fat diet to get all the energy you need.
  • Fat is needed to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency.
  • Fat is needed so your body can absorb the fat soluble vitamins A, S, E, K, and prevent deficiencies of these vitamins.
  • Fat provides flavor and texture to help prevent food from being bland and dry.
  • Fat helps food to stay in the stomach longer, giving a greater sense of satisfaction and preventing hunger soon after meals.
  • Fat may help your body produce endorphins (natural substances in the brain that produce pleasurable feelings).
  • Diets too low in fat (less than 20 - 25%) may trigger cravings.

What does fat do for our body?

  • Provides back-up energy if blood sugar supplies run out (after 4-6 hours without food).
  • Provides insulation under the skin from the cold and the heat.
  • Sponsored Links

  • Protects organs and bones from shock and provides support for organs.
  • Fat surrounds and insulates nerve fibers to help transmit nerve impulses.
  • Fat is part of every cell membrane in the body.  It helps transport nutrients and metabolites across cell membranes.
  • Your body uses fat to make a variety of other building blocks needed for everything from hormones to immune function.

What happens when we don't have enough fat in our diet?

  • Dry, scaly skin
  • Hair loss
  • Low body weight
  • Cold intolerance
  • Bruising
  • Poor growth
  • Lower resistance to infection
  • Poor wound healing
  • Loss of menstruation

More Information


Looking for Treatment? Call 1-877-211-5188 Anytime

If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, please call Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center at 1-877-211-5188 anytime to discuss treatment options.


Online Support Groups

The Eating Disorder Support Group at SupportGroups.com is for individuals who want to connect during life's challenging times. Share experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.

Support Groups


Find a Treatment Facility Near You

Click on a state below to find eating disorder treatment options that could be right for you.

Eating Disorder Support Groups

The Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.

Click here to start getting support at SupportGroups.com

disclaimer

The information provided on EatingDisordersOnline.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes and we encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician if they believe that they have an eating disorder. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of EatingDisordersOnline.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.

More Information
Online Support Groups

Online Support Groups

support groups

The Eating Disorder Support Group at SupportGroups.com is for individuals who want to connect during life's challenging times. Share experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.

Support Groups

Latest Blog Entries
Eating Disorder Treatment

Find a Treatment Facility

If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder and need help entering into recovery then we are here to offer help in any way we can. We have over 2,000 Treatment Facilities and Treatment Professionals listed on our Directory. You can search by Zip Code, City or State. Click here to search for a Treatment Facility that is right for you.

User login
Poll
Why Did You Visit This Site?:
Did You Know?

Bulimia nervosa may accompany anorexia, or it may occur by itself. It is estimated to occur in 1.1 to 4.2% of females. Bulimia nervosa can lead to severe tooth decay, intestinal and kidney problems, muscle cramps, heart problems, ruptured stomach or esophagus, and death.

More Statistics...

eatless