Weight loss and obesity often represent a major challenge, and there are no miracle solutions. It’s not uncommon to hear conflicting information and find yourself lost in it all. Unfortunately, more often than not, the advice we hear is scientifically unfounded and confusing. Let’s take a look at five of the most common weight loss myths:
1. Eat less and move more to lose weight
Although creating a caloric deficit is crucial to weight loss, this myth oversimplifies a complex process. Factors such as metabolism, hormones, sleep quality, stress and genetics also play an important role. Sometimes, dietary adjustments or other interventions are necessary to achieve lasting weight loss. Physical activity remains a very good lifestyle habit to encourage, but it alone cannot treat obesity.
2. Fad diets are the best way to lose weight fast
Fad diets, often highly restrictive, can result in rapid weight loss, but this is often temporary. By drastically limiting certain food groups, these diets can cause nutritional deficiencies and lead to the yo-yo effect, where the weight lost is quickly regained once the diet is over. To lose weight and reducebody mass index (BMI), a long-term approach is needed, with a balanced diet to avoid fluctuations.
3. All calories are equal
A calorie is not just a calorie. The source of a calorie is very important. For example, 200 calories from a handful of nuts have a very different effect on your body than 200 calories from soda. Nutrient-rich foods provide vitamins, minerals and fiber that are essential for good health and can help manage appetite, while calories from processed foods can lead to blood sugar spikes and increased cravings.
4. Carbohydrates make you fat and promote obesity
Carbohydrates are often demonized in popular diets as synonymous with obesity and overweight. However, not all carbohydrates are bad. Complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains, vegetables and fruit, are rich in fiber and essential for a balanced diet. It’s refined carbohydrates and added sugars, found in processed products, that are associated with weight gain. The same goes for fats; they’re not all created equal. Healthy fats, such as those from avocados, nuts and olive oil, are essential for a balanced diet.
5. Doing abdominal exercises reduces belly fat
The myth of targeted reduction claims that fat can be lost in a specific area of the body by concentrating on exercises for that region. In reality, fat loss occurs globally and depends on the total caloric deficit. Doing abdominal exercises will strengthen the muscles in this area, but will not reduce the specific fat around the belly.
6. Taking medication can fix my obesity forever
With the advent of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, some people believe that obesity can be solved by taking a few pills. It’s true that these drugs are revolutionary, but it’s important to know that they’re not for everyone, that they have limitations and that they absolutely must go hand in hand with improved lifestyle habits, regular exercise and a healthy diet. To learn more about the benefits and side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy, please discuss them with your doctor.
7. Weight loss supplements are the key to losing weight
Many supplements claim to help you lose weight, but few are scientifically proven effective, and some can even be dangerous. Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements are not strictly regulated by agencies such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the U.S. or Health Canada. This means that the quality, purity and safety of ingredients are not always guaranteed. It’s not uncommon to discover that some supplements contain undeclared or even illegal substances, which can be dangerous.
Conclusion
These myths can be misleading and make weight loss more difficult to achieve. It’s essential to rely on science-based information and consult healthcare professionals for advice tailored to your individual needs.
At Priveo, our holistic approach, which starts with a doctor and continues with a team of nutrition and kinesiology professionals, gives you the facts about your situation and all the tools you need to help you over the long term. Our team and partners use scientific data and an informed approach to provide you with the best care and advice.
Contact Priveo Santé to learn more about our obesity treatment services. You can also visit our web page for detailed information on this process: https://priveosante.com/services/traitement-obesite/
