Weight loss myths

There are so many myths currently regarding weight loss, and they are very common because of the fact that the incidences of obesity and being overweight are high (64 % in the Australian Male and 47 % in the Australian Female Population) (Better Health Channel, 2007). People are also getting an idea of how obesity could increase the risk of developing cardiac disease and diabetes mellitus (Better Health Channel, 2007). However, the chances of myths and misconceptions developing are also high in the population because of the fact that many people indulge in unhealthy practices to overcome weight loss.

Many people feel that eating a diet containing food rich in carbohydrates such as potatoes, rice and pastas, would result in gaining body weight. However, it is important to remember that the body basically derives energy from carbohydrates and eliminating this from the diet may not be preferable. It is important to reduce the fat content in diet, by ensuring moderate consumption of carbohydrates. Potatoes and other carbohydrates should not be fried and consumed in the diet (Better Health Channel, 2007).

Many people feel that eating combination of foods would such as carbohydrates along with proteins would cause several problems during the process of digestion, resulting in putting on weight. However, this is not true, as every natural food is a combination of different food classes. It is frequently seen that certain nutrients in the diet may aid in the digestion of another nutrient. Nature would take care of the entire digestive process as several enzymes are present in the digestive system that would help in the digestion of the nutrient, simultaneously (Better Health Channel, 2007).

The main thing about weight loss is that people should believe that there is no magical way of losing weight, and hence they should not trust any product that comes into the market that claims to lower excessive body weight within a very short period of time, and without exercising and/or dieting. It should be kept in mind that gradual changes and modifications in the lifestyle would certain help lose body weight (Better Health Channel, 2007). This is the most healthy and problem-free method of treating obesity and preventing the risk of developing cardiac disorders. People should ensure that they bring about certain healthy modifications in the diet and get more physically active.

References:

• Better Health Channel (1997), Weight loss - common myths, Retrieved on June 18, 2007, from Better Health Channel Web site:  http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Weight_loss_common_misconceptions?OpenDocument
• Mamas Health (2007), Weight Loss and Nutrition Myths, Retrieved on June 18, 2007