Myths
and Facts of Weight Loss
This week we will uncover the myths and show
you the facts surrounding weight loss.
Myth : It is all right to lose weight as
fast as we want.
Fact:: Rapid weight loss, as advertised in media, has been found to be not only
potentially dangerous, but also increases the rate at which the weight is regain. In
addition, weight loss greater than 1.5kg per week increases the risk of disease, like
gallstone formation.
Myth: Foods that contain "Negative
Calories" and 'Fat burning' properties are useful for losing weight.
Fact: There are no such things as negative calories and fat burning foods.
Myth: Carbohydrates are fattening.
Fact: Pure lies. Carbohydrates energy value is less than half of that of fat. Moreover,
more energy is required to store Carbohydrates as glycogen in muscles.
Myth: 'Sweat pants' can reduce the fat
around the buttocks area.
Fact: 'Sweat pants' have the superficial effect of 'tightening' bulges. They cannot and
will not reduce fat.
Myth: 'Fat metabolisers' can help to
convert fat to energy.
Fact: 'Fat metabolisers' are generally nothing more than forms of amino acids, the
building blocks of protein.Scientific research shows that they are merely substances which
are easily broken down by the body, but has no effect on body fat.
Myth: Butter are more fattening than
Margarine.
Fact: They both contain the same calories per gram (9 kcal). Hence, neither is ore
fattening than the other.
Myth: If a food contains 'low fat' or 'no
fat' means we can eat as much of it as we want.
Fact: Any foods (except water), whether 'no fat' or not, when taken excessively can turn
to body fat.
Myth: To burn away the fat on certain
bodypart, we should concentrate on exercises that work that area.
Fact: There is no such called 'spot reduction', meaning that fat loss cannot be
localized. Doing sit-ups for example, will not help you to lose fat at
the abdominal area. Exercises like crunches and leg raises will help to strengthen
abdominal muscle but not "burn" away fat in the area. (Note: Sit-ups should
generally be avoided due to unnecessary strain placed on the lower back). To lose fat
effectively, one should concentrate on aerobic exercises that will burn fat from the body
as a whole.
Myth: Electrical muscle stimulators can
help to reduce fat and build muscles.
Fact: Electrical muscle stimulators have legitimate use in physical therapy treatment. But
the FDA has taken a number of them off the market because they were promoted for weight
loss and body toning. They cannot help to reduce fat or build muscle.
Get more facts about Weight Loss Products and
Programs, follow this link to US FDA Site:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/wgtloss.html
