The study found that a low-fat diet, favored by many weight-conscious consumers, contributed to the greatest reduction in metabolic rate, meaning they were more at risk of putting pounds back on in the long term -- though the study didn’t track participants long enough to observe weight gain. This diet also was associated with the biggest drop in insulin sensitivity -- a risk factor for diabetes.Gary Taubes wrote a whole book on this in 2007. Good Calories Bad Calories
By comparison, participants burned about 300 more calories per day while on an ultra-low-carbohydrate diet similar to the Atkins diet. “That’s equivalent to about an hour of moderate physical activity without lifting a finger,” said Ludwig.
I also want to say that a low fat diet has been advocated by almost every dietary organization for decades.
It's not a matter of consumer preference at all. It's compliance with advice from "professionals".
