There is so much said about weight loss that it can be difficult to sort fact from fiction. Here’s the truth about 10 common weight loss myths.
A radical exercise regime is the only way to lose weight.
not true. Successful weight loss involves making small changes that you can stick with over the long term.
This means being more physically active in your daily routine. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of physical activity – such as brisk walking or cycling – per week, and those who are overweight need more to lose weight.
To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. This can be achieved by eating less, moving more or, best of all, a combination of both.
Try the 12-week NHS weight loss plan.
Healthy foods are more expensive.
It seems that healthy foods are more expensive than their unhealthy alternatives. However, if you try to replace ingredients with healthier alternatives, you’ll probably find that your meals will cost less.
For example, choosing cheaper cuts of meat and pairing it with cheaper alternatives like beans, pulses and frozen vegetables will make it go further in a casserole or stir-fries.
Carbohydrates make you gain weight.
Eaten in adequate amounts and as part of a balanced diet, carbohydrates on their own (ie without butter, creamy sauces, etc.) will cause weight gain.
Eat whole grains and wholemeal carbohydrates like brown rice and wholemeal bread, and eat potatoes with the skins to increase your fiber intake and avoid starchy foods when trying to lose weight.
Learn more about starchy foods.
Starving yourself is the best way to lose weight.
Crash diets are unlikely to result in long-term weight loss. In fact, they can sometimes lead to long-term weight gain.
The main problem is that this type of diet is very difficult to maintain. You may be missing out on essential nutrients because crash diets can limit the variety of foods you eat. Your body will lack energy, and may cause you to crave foods high in fat and high in sugar. This can lead to weight gain from those foods and eating more calories than you need.
Learn more about healthy eating and how to lose weight wisely.
Certain foods speed up your metabolism.
Metabolism describes all the chemical processes that are constantly going on inside the body to keep you alive and your organs functioning normally, such as breathing, repairing cells and digesting food. These processes require energy and the amount of energy required varies between individuals based on factors such as body size, age, gender and genes.
It is claimed that certain foods and drinks can increase your metabolism which helps the body burn more calories and lose weight. There is very little scientific evidence for this. Be aware that some of these products may be high in caffeine and sugar.
All slimming pills are safe to use for weight loss.
Not all slimming pills are effective or safe for weight loss. There are a number of weight loss medicines available that can be prescribed by your GP. There are other non-prescribed, unlicensed weight loss products on the market that may contain harmful ingredients.
If you are concerned about your weight, consult your GP or another healthcare professional.
Food labeled ‘low fat’ or ‘low fat’ is always a healthy choice.
Be careful. Foods labeled “low fat” must not exceed a certain amount of fat to legally use the label. If a food is labeled “reduced fat” or “reduced fat,” it should contain less fat than the full-fat version, but that doesn’t automatically make it a healthier choice: check the label to see How much fat is in it? contain. Some low-fat foods may also contain high levels of sugar.
Learn more in Fat: The Facts.
Cutting out all snacks can help you lose weight.
Snacking isn’t a problem when trying to lose weight: it’s the type of snack.
Many people need snacks between meals to keep energy levels up, especially if they have an active lifestyle. Choose fruits or vegetables instead of crisps, chocolates and other snacks that are high in sugar, salt and fat.
Drinking water helps in weight loss.
Water won’t make you lose weight, but it will keep you hydrated and may help you eat less. Water is essential for good health and well-being. Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger – if you are thirsty, you may eat more.
Learn more at Water and Beverages.
Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight.
Skipping meals is not a good idea. To lose weight and keep it off, you need to reduce the amount of calories you consume and increase the calories you burn through exercise. But skipping meals altogether can result in fatigue and mean you’re missing out on essential nutrients. You should eat foods high in fat and high in sugar