This supposedly healthier low-fat food is actually no better than the full-fat version by any metric

Here’s some good news for anyone still holding onto their post-holiday weight loss resolution: that low-fat cheese you’ve been forcing yourself to eat probably isn’t as healthy as you think.While cheese has long gotten a bad rap for its saturated fat content, a growing body of research suggests that it can actually be good for you if eaten in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. The twist? That skinny mozzarella and fat-free ricotta you’ve been choking down to cut fat and calories could actually be working against you.For years, the advice has been clear: To lower your risk of heart disease, pick for fat-free or low-fat dairy options. The recommendation is rooted in the belief that saturated fats — often found in animal products like cheese — raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.By contrast, healthy fats, such as those in olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados, are considered beneficial for providing energy, aiding vitamin absorption and supporting overall health.But some experts argue that the recommendation on full-fat cheese is outdated.

It dates back to 1980, when the first edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans was published, Dr.Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at Tufts University, told the New York Times. Since then, Mozaffarian said, most studies on dairy fat have found no significant health benefits to favoring low-fat versions over whole milk and cheese. While US dietary guidelines still recommend cheeses made with reduced-fat or fat-free milk as “healthier” options, the latest evidence is starting to challenge that.“Is whole milk better than low-fat milk? The answer is no,” said Dr.

Frank Hu, The Fredrick J.Stare Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H.

Chan School of Public Health.“The evidence doesn’t really support that.”In fact, a global analysis published in 2025 found that consuming dairy, particularly cheese, may even pro...