Saturated fats, when consumed as part of a diet comprised mostly of whole foods, are not the problem. Rob has an obvious sensitivity to refined carbs and would do well to avid anything made from white flour or refined sugar. If he sticks to a diet of mostly whole foods, i.e. a variety of fresh, meats, vegetables, moderate fruit, nuts, eggs, etc, he will regulate his insulin surges and have an easier time controlling his appetite and weight. Exercise is only a supplement to a healthy eating plan.
The idea that saturated fats cause heart disease or obesity is outdated, based on flawed science, and was never conclusively proven. It was just accepted as fact and gave food manufacturers carte blanche to start producing "food-like" substances that promised "low fat!" and "low cholesterol!" while making us sicker than ever. Fat does not make you fat. Eating cholesterol does not give you high cholesterol. Problems with overweight and the diseases it spurns, such as diabetes and cancer, are mostly the result of a diet that is too high in processed and refined foods. Just eliminating or cutting back on soda and bread would be a great start.