10 Common Myths about Weight Loss
Are you working on losing that excess weight? Then, it is important to identify the myths and truths of weight loss. Weight loss is one of the evergreen topics because excess weight is a universal problem. Many people work hard for weight loss. Some succeed, and some don’t. There is so much information and misinformation out there related to this topic. Everyone has their own formula and for a beginner, it looks confusing what to do and what not to do for weight loss. So, in this blog, I am going to share with you 10 common myths about weight loss. Identifying these myths will make your weight loss journey easier. So, let’s get started.
Here are the 10 common myths about weight loss.
Myth 1 – If I starve myself, I can lose weight: This is a great myth. No one ever lost weight and retained it permanently by trying this approach. It is easy to lose weight temporarily by starving, but such weight loss cannot be sustained in the long run because a person cannot be on a starving diet forever. Starving leads to several health problems like acidity, weakened immunity, low blood pressure, and low energy levels, and drains a person physically, emotionally, and mentally. No one likes to lose weight and then see it all coming back. So, long-term weight loss cannot happen by starving.
Myth 2 – Only diet is enough: Many people on a diet think that if they eat well, they need not exercise. Exercise plays an important role in weight loss. Exercise improves metabolism and removes excess weight from unwanted places in the body. It strengthens the body and is an important aspect of weight loss. So, only a diet is not enough for weight loss.
Myth 3 – Only exercise is enough: Some people who exercise think that as long as they exercise, they can eat anything. It is a great myth again. Food is like fuel to the body. If the wrong fuel is fed to the body, it leads to disease and stubborn weight in the body. If someone is eating junk food and doing exercise, there are high chances that this will not yield the desired results. So, only exercise is not enough. Both exercise and a proper diet are needed for permanent weight loss.
Myth 4 – I need to avoid carbohydrates: The first thing people try to do on the weight loss journey is to avoid carbohydrates. But the body needs carbohydrates as they are the main source of energy. Not all carbohydrates are bad. We should focus on avoiding unhealthy carbs like refined rice, refined flour, sugar, etc. Consume healthy carbs such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. The body needs nutrients in the right balance.
Myth 5 – I need to avoid fats: This is another great myth. People working for weight loss see fat as the greatest enemy. But there are good fats and bad fats. Good fats keep you satiated for a long duration and reduce food cravings. They make it easier to continue the weight loss journey. So, add good fats like fats coming from ghee, coconut oil, avocado, etc. to your diet. Strictly avoid bad fats.
Myth 6 – It needs a lot of willpower to lose weight: Weight loss is not about willpower. It is about following certain guidelines in a systematic manner. It does not need starving or requires you to do anything out of the box. All it needs is the application of some fundamental principles. Weight loss is possible for anyone. It does not need willpower. It just needs planning and sticking to the plan.
Myth 7 – Calorie counting is enough: Many people on a weight loss journey focus on calories, but it’s an incorrect approach. For instance, a piece of gulab jamun and 3 guavas contain almost the same calories of 110 calories. But if you eat a gulab jamun, you get white sugar into your body. Your glucose levels increase. It also does not give any nutrients to your body and keeps your body craving more food.
Whereas, when you eat 3 guavas, you get nutrients like Vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, dietary fiber, etc. You feel satiated, and your food cravings come down. So, calorie counting alone is not sufficient. You need to keep track of the number of nutrients in the food you are eating.
Myth 8 – Weight loss will solve my health issues: It depends on how you are losing weight. When people go on extreme diets or fad diets and lose weight, health goes down, and more issues crop up in the body. But when weight loss is achieved in the right way, it will solve many health issues but may not solve all the health problems because some health issues are rooted in emotional and mental factors like stress, anxiety, etc. So, weight loss, when achieved correctly, improves health greatly but may not solve all health issues. Health needs a holistic approach that involves your body, mind, and soul.
Myth 9 – Weight loss is very difficult: Weight loss is difficult only when it is approached incorrectly. People try to lose weight without understanding how the body works. Hence, it makes weight loss difficult. If someone tries to drive a car without understanding and learning the mechanics of driving, it is very difficult and dangerous. But when someone knows how to drive and understands the rules of driving, car driving is simple and effortless. It is the same with weight loss too. It is not difficult. It just needs the right approach.
Myth 10 – I can lose weight in a very short time: Weight loss needs patience and a systematic approach. The healthy amount of weight you can lose per month is 3 to 4 Kg. Anything beyond this is unhealthy. Don’t fall for those diets which promise you 10 kg weight loss in a month. They are dangerous and unhealthy. If you want sustainable weight loss, have patience and follow the basics of weight loss.
These are some myths about weight loss.
Weight loss needs the right understanding and a practical approach to see the results. It is not impossible or something that demands you to starve. It needs a sustainable approach – an approach that brings you health and wellness. So, if needed, seek the guidance of a nutritionist and work on weight loss in a systematic way. Focus on health while you are working to lose weight and one day, you will reach your healthy weight.
Wish you good health!
