12 Biggest Myths About Weight Loss Busted

The Internet can be a good place to learn a thing or two about weight loss, and anything in general. There are hundreds and thousands of sources of information that you can refer to, and come up with the “best” strategy for your weight loss plan. The thing is, a lot of what you read on the internet isn’t actually true. Most of it is not going to work and in fact, can cause serious harm if you follow some of the unproven, unscientific advice offered on the internet. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of 12 biggest myths, misconceptions, and lies around the weight loss process. Without further ado, let’s jump right into it.

Losing weight is a linear process

Most people believe that losing weight is a linear process, which is incorrect. You will lose weight on some days, and gain on other days. However, this shouldn’t make you worried. It is completely normal for the body to go through such fluctuations, even during your weight loss journey. For example, the food stays longer in your digestive system, or your body is carrying more water than usual.

This phenomenon is seen more in women, as the menstrual cycle affects the amount of water your body carries.

However, this isn’t something that you should worry about. As long as you’re losing weight over the long term, it is absolutely okay to see those fluctuations in the short-range.

SUMMARY

Losing weight is a long-term process. And, the process isn’t ever a linear one, because your body tends to store food or water differently on different days, which fluctuates the weight over short periods.

All calories are one and the same

Energy is measured in calories, which means that each calorie has the same amount of energy. However, it creates a misconception amongst people that they can eat anything as long as they are within their calorie target, which is wrong.

Just because every calorie is equal doesn’t mean it will have the same effect on your body, and consequently weight. Different foods have different effects and undergo different metabolic processes before being assimilated into your body. This in turn decides the hormone levels that affect your weight.

For instance, one calorie of carb isn’t quite the same as a calorie of protein.

Getting rid of carbs and unhealthy fats from your diet can significantly improve your metabolism, which in turn reduces your appetite and improves the performance of weight-regulating hormones.

Similarly, having calories from foods such as fruits is starkly different from the calories derived from processed foods, like candy.

SUMMARY

Not all sources of food have the same effect on your body, just because they have the same number of calories. For example, a food source having protein will improve your metabolism, reduce hunger pangs, and overall improve the functions of your body weight regulating hormones.

Supplements help in getting rid of weight

Let’s be honest: the supplements industry is HUGE. Most companies, if not all, claim that their products are going to have “dramatic effects” on your body, but the truth of the matter is they’re hardly based on scientific research.

The single biggest reason why a supplement may actually turn out to be beneficial for some people is that it has a placebo effect on them. People usually fall into marketing traps, and since they buy the overpriced supplements, they tend to become conscious of their dietary habits in order to see some gains.

However, there are some supplements that offer some effect when it comes to weight loss.

And the best ones often help you lose weight over a long period, instead of claiming that they can get you shredded in just six weeks.

SUMMARY

Most supplements you see on the market are not worth your time or money. The ones that do work aren’t that great either, and can only help a little bit in losing weight.

Eating less and working out more will help

Most people are convinced that eating less and moving more will help them lose weight over a period of time.

Body fat is nothing but energy stored by your body. And to lose that fat, you need to burn more calories than you consume in a day. This is precisely why people think that “eat less, move more” is going to help them shed weight.

While that is true in theory, especially if you are planning on making it a lifestyle change, it can be extremely harmful to your health if you have serious weight issues.

In fact, most people who do follow this advice end up regaining that weight (and more) because of biochemical and physiological factors that influence body weight.

Losing weight isn’t just about eating less and moving more. One needs to make major and comprehensive changes in their perspective in order to lose weight with proper exercise and diet.

Telling someone to just reduce their food intake and move a little more is like asking an alcoholic to drink less.

SUMMARY

Asking people to cut their food intake and move more is simply an ineffective method that doesn’t work and instead, can cause major health issues in the long run.