Demystifying Weight Loss Myths

The moment you decide to implement your weight loss plan you are flooded with lot of fly-by-night information, most of which is unfortunately incorrect. These false notions or beliefs are myths and can put your plan into disarray. If you are overweight then losing weight is no doubt a great idea but before that you must get rid of the dead weight of myths and beliefs. Here are some popular myths exposed:

Myth 1: You can't lose weight.
The truth is that you can lose weight. However, the process is slow and time-consuming, probably slower than what you expected. If you strive for it constantly you will surely succeed in the end.

Myth 2: Sweat loss equals weight loss.
Sweat loss means loss of water, not weight. However, when you sweat heavily and step on the weighing scale it shows a pound or two less. Don't confuse this with loss in weight as it is actually loss of water, which you will regain the moment you are properly hydrated. Always remember that you cannot permanently lose weight unless you are able to cut calories.

Myth 3: You can effectively lose weight by dieting.
You cannot lose weight by dieting or depriving yourself of basic nutrients. Losing weight involves building permanent healthy eating habits throughout life and combining the same with moderate exercise. Weight loss by dieting is gained back in 90 per cent of those who blindly diet.

Myth 4: Weight training hampers the weight loss process.
According to this myth if you start weight training before you have lost weight, it will stop the weight loss. Weight training can, in fact, speed up your weight loss process for two reasons: Although muscles weigh more than fat, muscles are denser thus taking up less place in the body (what is called toned muscles). More muscles (what is known as lean percentage in the body) equals more calories burnt, even when the body is at rest.

Myth 5: Jogging a mile burns more calories than walking a mile.
This is not true. The caloric expenditure is 62 calories per 100 pounds body weight per mile travelled, irrespective of whether you are walking or jogging. What is true is that although while jogging you will spend more overall calories because of higher effort involved, brisk walking will in fact burn calories from the fat stores in the body.

Myth 6: Exercise on an empty stomach to burn more calories.
This myth is baseless. In fact, the body requires energy to exercise properly and exercising on an empty stomach may be harmful. So, if you are exercising in the morning take a glass of juice or a fruit instead of getting swayed by this myth.

Myth 7: Heavy people have a harder time burning calories
Remember the law of physics to crack this myth. Move a greater mass and you will get more work done. Keeping this in mind, the more you weigh, the more calories per minute you're guaranteed to burn while you're doing weight bearing exercises.

Myth 8: Exercise is a sure shot way to lose weight
No doubt exercise is one of the most important components of a weight loss program but if you think exercise alone can do all the magic then you are mistaken. Weight gain or loss is affected by many other factors like dietary intake and genetics.

Myth 9: Exercising for 30 minutes two to three times per week is sufficient for weight loss
Although exercising 2-3 times per week is better than doing nothing but clearly it is not enough to achieve maximum weight loss. In fact, exercising regularly everyday is ideal for weight loss and maintaining general fitness.

So if you want to lose weight then get moving but remember to steer clear of myths and half-truths.