TV chefs could be 'making us fat'

Gordon Ramsay is contributing to obesity by feeding us fat-filled recipes, experts say. Photo / Supplied

Top celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Nigella Lawson are cooking up a recipe for potential health problems, experts say.

A ciritcal report published by UK group The Fat Panel, says that the chefs' popular cookbooks contain large amounts of saturated fats such as butter and cream, putting fans at risk of heart disease and obesity.

A single serving of some recipes found in the chefs' cookbooks contained more than the entire daily recommended fat intake of 30g for men and 20g for women, says the report.

"Celebrity chefs are incredibly influential in the UK when it comes to food and what we eat," dietician Sian Porter says.

"Millions of people tune in to television and radio programmes or rush out to buy the latest cookbook, without realising that often these recipes are high in saturated fat.

"Whilst these delicious meals are fine as occasional treats, many people do not realise the potential health implications of these calorie and fat-laden dishes."

Recipes from 16 celebrity chefs were scrutinised for the report, with Delia Smith and Jamie Oliver being recognised for having a "balanced view" on healthy eating.

But it was bad news for Gordon Ramsay - his sticky toffee and chocolate pudding contains a woman's entire daily allowance of saturated fat.

Porter adds: "While some chefs are making real efforts to cut saturated fat, others could do better."

- NZ HERALD ONLINE