Fatty foods are worrisome to health professionals and consumers alike, and for good reason. Obesity rates are alarming, and people of all ages struggle to control their weight. Many fail to understand, though, that fats are necessary for growth and for maintaining healthy bodies. They cushion and protect vital organs and store reserves of energy. This volume explains for young children both the positive and negative aspects of fat-containing foods. It differentiates the types of fats people consume, notes the links between fats and calories and fats and cholesterol, and addresses such issues as the dangers of dieting by fasting.

Why fats are important -- Where do fats come from? -- Healthy fats -- Harmful fats -- Saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats -- Dangers of too many fats -- Fat and cholesterol -- Fat and calories -- Reducing the fat content in food -- Fats and fasting -- Ask questions, eat smart -- A balancing act.