If you restrict saturated fats in meat and increase your intake of calories markedly, your triglycerides and insulin levels will go up, your good HDL cholesterol will go down and you will increase your risk for a heart attack. Saturated fats are broken down in your liver to acetone units. If you take in more calories than you need, the acetone units are used as building blocks to make cholesterol and your blood cholesterol level rises. On the other hand, if you are not taking in extra calories, the acetone units are burned for energy and do not raise cholesterol. Eating large amounts of saturated fats can also increase your heart attack risk by increasing clotting, raising blood pressure and constricting arteries.
Current recommendations are to avoid overeating and gaining weight first.
Second is to eat less fat, particularly saturated fat. Saturated and trans fatty acids and coronary heart disease. Dr. Mirkin's opinions and the references cited are for information only, and are not intended to diagnose or prescribe. For your specific diagnosis and treatment, consult your doctor or health care provider.