10 Weight Loss Myths

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

1. Stopping snacking will help you lose weight

Snacking isn’t the issue when you’re trying to lose weight, it’s the kind of snacks you are having. So, make sure you grab some fruit, vegetables, or rice cakes instead of crisps and chocolate which are high in fat, sugar, and salt.

2. Healthy foods are more expensive

You may think that most healthy foods are more expensive than unhealthy food, but this isn’t always necessarily true. Try and swap ingredients for healthy alternatives such as cheaper cuts of meat and mix it in with frozen veg or beans. This should go quite a long way in meals like casseroles.

3. Starving yourself is the most effective way to lose weight

The short-term result may seem like it’s the best option, however, it is very unlikely that you will maintain the weight loss long-term, it may even lead to longer-term weight gain. Starving yourself of the essential nutrients that your body needs could cause tiredness and you may feel quite demotivated. When your body is low on energy, you will crave sugary, high-fat foods which could result in you consuming more calories.
See a healthy diet and how to use weight sensibly.

4. You will put on weight if you eat carbs

Carbs are an essential part of a balanced diet, you just need to make sure you are eating good carbs, such as brown rice, wholemeal bread, and potatoes with the skin on. However, you should try to avoid frying the carbs and adding oils and butter.

See the starchy foods you need to watch.

5. Certain foods will help speed up your metabolism

Metabolism describes all the chemical processes that go on continuously inside the body to keep you alive and your organs functioning normally, such as breathing. Your body needs the energy from food to fulfil this function. The amount of energy your body requires can depend on factors such as your age and genes.

Some people say that certain foods could speed up your metabolism, however, there is very little evidence to support this theory. You need to be careful these foods don’t contain too much caffeine and sugar.

6. All weight loss pills are safe

We can certainly say that not all weight loss pills are safe, there are so many online sites these days prescribing unlicensed, unsafe medication. It is important you know where the medication comes from.

See the following article on how to spot a fake pharmacy.

In addition to this, there are many un-prescribed, unlicensed weight loss medications on the market, which may contain ingredients that could be harmful to your health. Make sure you always check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

7. Low fat/reduced fat foods are a healthier choice

Foods labelled “low fat”, or “reduced fat” must contain no more than a specific amount of fat to use this label. This could mean that it just includes less fat than the full-fat version, so it doesn’t always make it the healthiest option. There are low-fat foods that contain more sugar too so watch out for that.

Check out some facts about fat.

8. Drinking water causes you to lose weight

Water doesn’t help you lose weight. Water will keep you hydrated which may cause you to snack less. Without knowing it, many people confuse thirst with hunger, so instead of eating more, you may only need a glass of water.

Learn more about water and drinks for your health.

9. Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight

Skipping meals isn’t the answer for long-term weight loss. Make sure you have a calorie-reduced diet and allow yourself essential and healthy nutrition.

See how to work out your calorie deficit.

10. An intense exercise routine is the only way to lose weight

Ex ercise is an essential part of losing weight, however, an intense exercise routine can be a lot to keep up with and maintain. You should plan your weight loss regime by making small changes that you can stick to long-term.

It is recommended that adults get 150 minutes of physical activity per week, this can include activities such as cycling and jogging.

References

NHS- Managing Your Weight- Reviewed 2 Aug 2018