Approximately 42% of adult Americans are obese while about 31% are overweight. As excess body fat increases the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, respiratory issues, and more, it’s no wonder that the weight loss industry has boomed to be worth billions. However, just because someone says something about weight loss does not mean that it’s true.
If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ve probably gotten plenty of unsolicited advice. It can be challenging to know what is a cold hard fact and what people are saying in an effort to sell you on something. In this blog and the next, we’ll go into some common myths about weight loss so that you can go about this journey in a healthier way.
Myth #1. You Can Lose 30 Lbs In 30 Days
Can you? Technically, yes, depending on how big you are. Should you? Unless a doctor is helping you and advising you every step of the way, no.
Weight loss is a tricky beast. People want to drop the lbs and fast. However, the fact of the matter is that weight loss involves a lifestyle change. Healthy weight loss is slow, about 1-2 lbs a week. This is a good thing, because it means that it’s sustainable. Starvation diets may cause you to lose weight faster, but once you stop, the weight comes right back. They also put you at risk of developing an eating disorder.
You should always consult with your doctor in order to determine a realistic, healthy weight loss plan suitable to your specific needs.
Myth #2. It’s Impossible To Lose Weight
On the swing side of the former myths about weight loss, some people say that it’s impossible to lose weight – so why bother even trying? They cite their efforts and the fact that people who lose weight tend to gain it back as evidence for this claim.
However, weight loss is very much both possible and doable. Many people who are trying to lose weight on their own don’t know how to do it properly. They may overestimate the calories that they are burning and underestimate the calories that they are eating. They may take up a diet that isn’t suitable for them.
Most people think that you just need to diet and exercise for a certain amount of time, and then you’re good. Weight loss isn’t a temporary diet plan – it’s a lifestyle change that you need to commit to to maintain your results. Oftentimes, fad diets, like the 30 lbs in 30 days listed above, may help the weight come off initially – but then when you stop, it comes right back, because you went back to your old habits.
That said, your biology plays a significant role in your weight loss journey. Think about your metabolism. Some people are medically underweight no matter how much they eat because their metabolism is very fast. Others gain weight very easily because their metabolism is just slow.
Underlying health conditions can also impact how hard it is for you to lose weight. For example, if your hormones are out of whack, this can make losing weight extremely difficult. So too can gut issues, inflammation, thyroid problems, and more. Thus, even if you’re doing everything right, you may still struggle to lose weight. Addressing the underlying health issues is thus essential in order to be able to lose weight.
This is why working with a healthcare professional is so important when you’re trying to lose weight. They will be able to advise you on the appropriate diet and exercise plan to best help you see results. If you have any underlying health conditions, they can treat them.
Myth #3. Skipping Meals Is Crucial To Weight Loss
The idea behind this myth about weight loss makes sense. After all, in order to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you’re consuming. However, skipping meals can often backfire. While skipping a meal may cause you to not consume those calories at the time, food is fuel to your body. If you’re skipping meals, you may end up feeling tired as you’re depriving your body of essential nutrients.
Plus, skipping meals can cause you to opt for higher calorie, more sugary/fatty foods when you get hungry. This can result in you consuming more calories than you would have otherwise.
Eating healthy, well-balanced meals is more helpful to weight loss efforts than skipping meals. This is because you are feeding your body with the nutrients it needs when it asks for them, and helps you avoid making bad choices out of increased hunger later on.
Regeneration Health provides functional medicine help for weight loss. Watch this space, as our next few blogs will cover more myths about weight loss. If you’re struggling to lose weight, or you want to ensure that you’re losing weight the right way from the get-go, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule a consultation. We’re always happy to help people however we can.
