Don’t Be Fooled By These 3 Weight Loss Myths

21 December, 2016

Weight Loss

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The New Year is coming. Lots of people are thinking about their resolutions. And what’s one of the most popular resolutions every year? Lose weight and get in shape.

Millions of people would like to lose weight, but can’t seem to achieve that goal. According to the Daily Mail, 29 million Brits attempted to lose weight last year – that’s more than half of the population. Despite all those weight loss efforts, 61% of the UK population is still classified as overweight. What gives?

One of the problems is that people are spreading weight loss myths. These confuse you, lead you to make unhealthy choices, and ultimately lead to frustration with your health and weight. But you don’t have to be fooled by these 3 common myths. Let research shine some light on the truth.

Myth 1 – Eating Lots of Little Meals Boosts Metabolism

People have been touting this myth for years. The idea – sometimes called “grazing” – is that eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day is better for you than eating 3 big meals. Proponents claim that this keeps your metabolism at its peak.

But the research doesn’t support this myth. This study from 2001 found that the number of meals you eat has “no major impact on energy intake or expenditure.” Want to lose weight and get in shape? Focus on what you eat, not how often you eat.

Myth 2 – Eating at Night Causes Weight Gain

This is another myth you’ve probably heard before. Don’t eat after 8pm or you’ll gain lots of extra weight! Except it’s not true. Studies (like this one) have shown that “eating at night is no more likely to produce weight gain than eating during the day.”

Again, the timing of when you eat is not the problem. It’s what you eat.

Myth 3 – Eating Breakfast Will Help You Lose Weight

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? Wrong. In fact, researchers have discovered that eating breakfast has “no discernible effect on weight loss” even when the study participants were trying to lose weight.

Not only is breakfast not the key to weight loss, skipping it could help you slim down. Scientific reviews of intermittent fasting diets have shown many benefits, including reduced visceral fat tissue. Focus on Facts, Not Myths

There aren’t mysterious tricks to weight loss. It takes a balanced approach to nutrition that includes macronutrients and weight loss supplements. It takes dedication to getting exercise several times each week.

By sticking to a health routine, you can lose weight and get healthy. It doesn’t have to just be a dream or a vague resolution – it can be your reality.

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About Paul Stainthorpe

Running has been part of my life since 2011. While growing up I hated running and would do anything to avoid it at school. Give me a ball and a racket any day. It’s funny how some things change. I run for good. In 2012 I ran the 12 Days of Christmas for the Percy Hedley Foundation. In 2013 I attempted (with friend Lee Nyland), the 12 parkruns of Christmas for the Tiny Lives Trust.