Fat has a bad rap. And, if you eat too much of it, it deserves a bad rap. But you need Fat in your diet because your body uses fat. We can see that we store fat in our body in fat cells, so fat is a storage of energy. But fat allows for the absorption of some vitamins. It helps to create hormones to regulate body functions. It is part of all cell walls in our body (keeping fluid in cells). And it acts to insulate the body.
So you do need fat for your body to function well. But you don't need a lot of fat in the diet. If you take in more fat than what your body can use. Your body will then STORE the excess in fat cells that are located throughout your body. Some people store a great deal of energy in their hips/thighs, whilst others store a great deal of fat (as triglycerides... which are the main way fat is stored in your body) in the abdomen.
Not all fats are created equal.
There are three main types of fats that you can take in through your diet:
1) Saturated Fat
Here is a bit more information on Saturated Fats...https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000838.htm
These types of fats are not healthy for anyone in any great quantity. There is some recent evidence that says saturated fats don't cause health issues, but if you look at who funded (e.g. gave money) those studies... it is usually groups associated with the meat or dairy companies. The biggest difference between Saturated Fats and the Unsaturated versions (just below) is that the saturated fatty acids have cholesterol.
2) Monounsaturated Fats
3) Polyunsaturated Fats
Mono and Polyunsaturated fats are much healthier for you. But you should still not eat them in great quantities (because it could lead to excess storage of energy). Go to this website for more information on both of these types of fat...
For information on the "Good Fats" go to this website: http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-truth-about-fats-bad-and-good
There are also "other" types of fats to pay attention to, one good and one bad.
1) Omega 3 Fatty Acids
There is evidence to show that Omega 3s are good for your health. They can be found in Fish and some plant products. Here is a good, short website that provides some information on Omega 3s... Click here for information on Omega 3 fatty acids. But just like any other Fat, too much can be unhealthy. If you eat fish, you will get Omega 3s in your diet. If you eat too much fish, you could be taking in too much mercury in the diet... Click Here for information on Mercury in the diet
And you should also be aware of scams when it comes to supplements... this website is available to anyone to research many different supplements (there are many companies that will try to fill supplements up with items that are considered illegal. They do this purposefully or by accident, but it still happens)... Click Here for Consumer Lab website
2) Trans Fatty Acid or Hydrogenated Fats, wherein unsaturated fats in liquid form are "hydrogenated to become solid at room temperature. They are created by a manufacturing process designed to extend the shelf life of foods.
If there was one food item that can be placed at the top of the list of "WORST FOODS TO EAT" it would be anything with Hydrogenated Fats in them.
Go to this website for basic information on Hydrogenated fats... Click Here for Mayo clinic information on Hydrogenated Fats Many cities and now states have either banned trans fats served in restaurants or are trying to do so... Click Here for Trans Fats ban video