Fat substitutes such as Olestra result in weight gain, not loss! They disrupt the body's mechanisms to control food intake. Olestra works by binding up to 8 triglyceride molecules in such a way that the enzyme lipase cannot begin the fat digestive process and it passes out with the stool. Side effects include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and oily stools. Its best use is as an industrial lubricant, paint additive, deck stain additive, and as a detoxicant for dioxin and PCB poisoning. It is banned in the UK and Canada.
