Although obesity, and all the health problems associated with it, is on the rise in Americans, it seems as though there are more and more diet plans too. From fad diets to online apps to weight loss centers, Americans are trying it all to lose weight but do not seem to be winning the battle of the bulge.
Perhaps, though, it is the misinformation many Americans believe that is keeping them overweight.
Dr. Kelvin Brown, founder of Precision Weight Loss Center in Atlanta, Ga. believes that by discounting commonly believed weight loss myths, many Americans may be able to learn how to lose the weight for good and become healthier to boot.
Here are the five myths Dr. Brown believes may be keeping someone fat.
1. Myth: "Don’t eat anything after X o’clock."
Truth:
By cutting off eating at a certain time of day, one’s metabolism can slow down considerably, causing a stall in weight loss. Eating the wrong foods late at night, though, is not an answer either.
Nutritionists encourage dieters to eat complete mini-meals throughout the day, every three hours. Focusing on fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods, as well as those that are a good source of protein can stabilize blood sugar levels.
2. Myth: "Drinking water doesn't help one lose weight or maintain good health.”
Truth:
Water is not only important to lose weight, it is critical! It increases the body's metabolism, thus burning more fat, as well as providing an energy level boost. Most Americans know they should drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but sadly, most of them still do not do it.
3. Myth: "Weight loss can be achieved by severely restricting calories and only eating once or twice a day.”
Truth:
Eating fewer calories is only one part of losing weight in a healthy way. Eating infrequently or eating the wrong type of foods puts you at risk for slowing your metabolism or simply dieting in an unhealthy way which cannot be sustained.
When calories are restricted, you have to take into account the frequency of eating, the foods being eaten, and the quantity of food, water, exercise and sleep you include each day. Your personal medical history should also be taken into account when trying to lose weight by restricting calories.
4. Myth: "Ramping up an exercise plan is all someone has to do to lose weight.”
Truth:
All exercise does not have the same value for everybody. And it is only one component of healthy weight loss. Important factors to consider when exercising to lose weight are when and how often you exercise, the type of exercise you do, and what you do after the exercising is finished.
Dr. Brown advises against lifting heavy weights and instead encourages a steady increase in exercise during a weight loss program.
5. Myth: "People who need a doctor’s help are taking the easy way out.”
Truth:
There are many reasons some people may feel more comfortable losing weight with the help of a doctor or weight loss center. Added structure, momentum and accountability are three of them.
Dr. Brown helps patients lose weight by managing how much they eat, exercise and encouraging them to maintain proper health while going through the process. Some people may be able to do this on their own, many are not. If the result is a healthy weight loss, that’s all that matters.
Sources:
Fitday.com. Web. 30 October 2013. “8 weight loss myths you need to stop telling yourself.”
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/8-weight-loss-myths-you-need-to-stop-telling-yourself.html#b
Emailed newsletter. Email. 30 October 2013. “Holiday eating tips from Dr. Brown”. Newsletter
Reviewed October 31, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith