A low-fat or fat-free food is often lower in calories than the same size portion of the full-fat product.

But many processed low-fat or fat-free foods have just as many calories as the full-fat version of the same food, or even more calories.

They may contain added sugar, flour, or starch thickeners to improve flavor and texture after fat is removed. These ingredients add calories.

Tip

Read the Nutrition Facts on a food package to find out how many calories are in a serving.

Check the serving size too, it may be less than you are used to eating.

For more information about reading food labels, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Source: Weight-Control Information Network