Each of the above dietary components may independently influence energy intake.
Palatability increases appetite and food consumption.
Energy density is determined by the fat, fiber, and water content of foods. In contrast, intake of foods with low energy density generally reduces energy intake and can lead to weight loss. Controversy regarding the role of dietary fat in body weight may be explained in part by confounding factors such as the high energy density and palatability of fat and the lower fiber content of high fat diets. Several factors influence the glycemic index of foods or meals such as the macronutrient composition, food processing, ripeness, cooking factors, and physical characteristics of carbohydrate. However, including calcium-rich dairy foods in weight loss diets offers an additional benefit, namely protection against bone loss.