What is the best diet for weight loss?

The ultra-low fat diet is the best way to lose weight

Question: What is the best diet for weight loss?
Position‹4 of 6›: Lowering fat intake is the best way to lose weight
Argument: The ultra-low fat diet is the best way to lose weight

The ultra-low fat diet involves having no more than 10% calories from fat.

The argument

The emphasis in this diet is on the term 'ultra low'. This means that the amount of fat consumed is much less than in a 'low fat' diet. The ultra-low fat diet involves ensuring less than 10% of calorie intake is from fat, mostly by maintaining a diet high in carbs. The diet is therefore usually high in plant based foods. An ultra-low fat diet is usually recommended for people with the specific aim of losing weight. Fat is more calorie dense per gram than other nutrients such as protein and carbs. Every gram of fat contains around 9 calories, whereas there are only 4 calories per gram of protein and carbs. The reasoning therefore follows that in order to quickly lose weight, less fat should be consumed. Studies in the US have shown that an ultra low fat diet is more effective than a low carb diet in reducing body fat. One study showed that those who followed an ultra low fat diet, lost '80% more than those cutting down on carbs.' There are further proven health benefits of an ultra-low fat diet. An ultra-low fat diet helps to protect the body against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and even MS.

Context

In our current world there is constant pressure to maintain a desirable weight. Whether it be obese people looking to lose weight for health, or people feeling pressure from Instagram to keep off the pounds, people are always looking for ways to slim down. Health studies have shown that an ultra low fat diet can be the most effective way to achieve this.

Premises

[P1]An ultra-low-fat diet keeps fat below 10% of calories—mostly through high-carb, plant-based eating—and fat is the most calorie-dense nutrient at 9 calories per gram versus 4 for protein and carbs, so cutting it cuts calories fastest. [P2] US studies found an ultra-low-fat diet outperformed a low-carb diet, with dieters losing 80% more body fat, alongside protection against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and MS. [C] Therefore, because the ultra-low-fat diet is the most effective, lowering fat intake is the best way to lose weight.

Counter-arguments

Fat is extremely important for the functioning of the body. Fat helps build cells and to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, fat is what makes food taste good. A life without fatty foods is a life not worth living!

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] Calorie density per gram does not determine calories eaten: fat is more satiating per calorie, and the premise's own high-carbohydrate substitution replaces the energy it removes. The reasoning would also make restricting whichever nutrient is densest the best method by definition, which is the thing to be shown. [Rejecting P2] The comparison is described without naming the studies, their duration or their conditions, and "80% more" is reported with no base figure; short-term findings on fat loss are also not the same as sustained weight loss. The protective claims are associations drawn from very different research, and multiple sclerosis in particular is not an established outcome of dietary fat — which is where the counter's point about fat's essential functions bites.