FAKE FATS: TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT?
OLESTRA -FAKE FAT VS REAL FAT- Class Debate
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SECTION REFERENCE:
PRE LEARN – READ – WRITE MAIN IDEA AND CREATE THREE QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS.
3.4 What Are Lipids?
INTRODUCTION
In this activity you will engage in a debate related to the real-life issues surrounding the use of the fat
substitute Olestra.
You will be assigned to two opposing groups: one in favor of the use of fake fats and the other
against the use of fake fats. Web links to different sources are supplied. The Discovery Magazine
reference gives a solid background about the basis for the debate. The other two links present the
opposing viewpoints.
MATERIALS NEEDED
 Debate announcement-written argument.
 Drawing of olestra and fat molecule
PROCEDURES
1. Before the debate, gather information to support your argument for the debate. Part of this
preparation involves understanding the structural differences between fake fats and real fats.
2. On the day of the debate, you will be given approximately 10 minutes to meet with others on your
“side” to come up with their game plan for the debate.
3. When the debate begins, the two groups take turns presenting their arguments either for or against
the use of fat substitutes. The debate lasts about 15 minutes. I will keep track of each side’s
arguments on the board and, at the end, you will copy down what is on the board.
4. Reiterate the important points of the topic and revisit the structural comparison between the fake fat
molecule and the real fat molecule. Offer opinions about the taste differences and on how they relate
to the structural differences between the two molecules.
ASSESSMENT :
DROP BOX the following before the debate: (no more than one page) PD7fatdebate-lastname
a. State which side of the debate you were on.
b. List at least two arguments on your side of the debate.
c. List two reliable resources that you used to prepare for this debate
d. Drawing of the fat and olestra molecular structure
e. Explain how the structure of a fake fat is different from that of real fat and why Olestra is not
absorbed by the body.
OLESTRA (FAKE FAT VS REAL FAT) Class Debate
For this debate:
 You must research the scientific and medical arguments on your side.
 You should also research what the arguments will be on the other side, so that you are prepared to
argue against their points.
 Start your debate prep by finding information through an Internet search:
Go to http://voh.chem.ucla.edu/vohtar/spring00/30H/pdf/Narayan.pdf
Go to http://www.discovermagazine.com. Once you are on the site, type in “fat chemistry” in the
search box and click “search.” Look for the article “The Chemistry of Fat Substitutes” and use it
for information for your debate. http://discovermagazine.com/2001/mar/featchemistry
Go to http://www.cspinet.org, the Center for Science in the Public Interest Web site. In the search
box, enter “Olestra.” Search the links for information on Olestra. This group is against the use of
fake fats.
Go to the Proctor and Gamble Web site (http://www.olean.com). It is the maker of Olean and is in
favor of fake fats.
Other sites
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/56/1/84.abstract?sid=57da09c3-bc64-4033-9024-30b732125d56
http://www.chemistryexplained.com/Di-Fa/Fats-and-Fatty-Acids.html
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3076965/ns/health-fitness/t/fda-removes-olestrawarning/#.VC7D7fldWSo
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9610/01/fat.free.feud/
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9608/25/fat.substitute/index.html
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