The sample menus demonstrate that because the fat is high in calories, the low-fat diet has a greater quantity of food than the typical American diet for the same 2,000 Calories. The low fat diet example is too low in fat for small children to promote good growth. In addition, it may be difficult for them to consume such a large volume of food. Children should have a diet that is closer to thirty per cent of the calories from fat. Lower fat diets may be appropriate in some cases but require careful follow-up from a physician and dietitian.
Excessive cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis and subsequent heart disease .
The risk of developing heart disease or atherosclerosis increases as the level of blood cholesterol increases. This illustrates the relative proportions of different foods that make up a nutritious, well-balanced diet.