Do carbohydrates make you put on weight or does fat make you fat?

Sultan says: Calories are units of energy. And if we consume too many the body will store the excess as fat.

The number of calories derived from carbohydrate and protein is about 4 calories/gram. Fat has 9 calories/gram and alcohol 7.5 calories/gram. How many calories we need each day depends on age, activity and health; safe to say if you are gaining weight, you are probably eating too much.

Plan portion sizes and look at the calories in foods. Dividing your plate so half has non-starchy vegetables, a quarter carbohydrate and a quarter protein is a good way to help balance intake.

Once you gain weight and develop insulin resistance, carbohydrates will cause your blood glucose to rise. So don’t think it’s all about avoiding this or that if you want to lose weight. Swapping rice for a large steak is the same amount of calories and causes the same weight gain. It’s all about a little bit less every day if you want to succeed.