From diet foods to calorie intake: A dietitian busts weight loss myths

"Remember what you have gained over the years due to an unhealthy lifestyle will take time to lose," said dietitian Manisha

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | September 13, 2021 11:30 AM IST

Time to stop believing on weight loss myths. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Many people think that weight loss is a linear process that happens in the same way for everyone. But that is not true. In fact, weight loss happens differently for different people depending on their lifestyle, efforts, and several other factors. Similarly, people also tend to believe certain weight loss myths.

Dietitian Manisha took to Instagram to share a few weight loss myths that people should not give into.

ALSO READ | Nutritionist shares effective tips to overcome a weight loss plateau

“Please don’t believe in everything you read on the internet! Remember what you have gained over the years due to an unhealthy lifestyle will take time to lose,” she said.

Here’s what she said.

All calories are equal

Calorie is a measurement of energy. All calories have the same energy content. “However, this does not mean that all calorie sources have the same effects on your weight. Different foods go through different metabolic pathways and can have vastly different effects on hunger and the hormones that regulate your body weight. e.g. 1 cup ice cream has almost the same calories as a three-course healthy meal… We all know which one would be healthier,” she commented.

ALSO READ | Trying to lose weight? Five ways to help curb your calorie craving

Losing weight is a linear process

Losing weight is usually not a linear process, as some people think. Some days and weeks you may lose weight, while during others you may gain a little bit because of multiple factors including muscle gain.

People with obesity are unhealthy, and thin people are healthy

Story continues below this ad

Obesity is linked to several chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. However, many people with obesity are metabolically healthy, while many thin people are not because even thin people can have high fat percentage and low muscle mass making them prone to lifestyle disorders.

Diet foods can help you lose weight

“Oftentimes, products marketed as diet foods are junk foods in disguise, as they’re heavily processed and may harbour hidden ingredients. The only thing you need to give your body when you are trying to lose weight; improve health markers and create a lifestyle that is sustainable,” she said.

What’s one of the worst weight loss myths you used to believe?

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!

From the homepage