4 Most Common Myths About Obesity and 4 Facts to Debunk Them
Obesity is a serious and widespread disease defined by excess weight and body fat. It leads to numerous complications, other associated illnesses, and even fatal outcomes. It seems that no other pathological condition is as tied to insinuations, unchecked information, and even dangerous claims. If you are obese, remember that it is primarily a health problem and only secondarily an aesthetic one.
Here are the most common myths about excess weight and the facts that debunk them.
Myth 1: Obesity is solely the result of bad habits
Fact: Excess weight is often a multisystem problem
Diet and lack of exercise can play a role in the process leading to obesity, but many other factors are also important. Moreover, most people, even those with regular weight and who are not obese, are not physically active. Additionally, for the majority of obese individuals, it is not just about bad habits. Stress, lack of sleep, hormones, medication use, genetics, and external factors contribute significantly. Therefore, treating obesity requires an individualized approach.
Myth 2: If you solve obesity, you solve all other health problems
Fact: Weight loss, especially if it happens suddenly, can also cause health problems
Losing weight improves overall health, but it is also associated with hormonal imbalance and metabolic complications. Rapid weight loss increases these risks. Additionally, it can lead to muscle mass loss, nutrient deficiencies, sleep problems, etc. Sometimes, weight loss can affect mental and emotional status. Therefore, it is important to make a plan for the healthiest possible weight loss process in consultation with a professional.
Myth 3: Weight loss is just about the difference between calories consumed and calories burned
Fact: It is not enough just to burn more calories than you consume
Although the role of calories burned in the weight loss process cannot be ignored, this thinking is overly simplistic. Macronutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates have different effects on our bodies. The calories we consume (type and amount) affect the amount of energy we use and need. The food we eat affects hormones, so some foods can cause hormonal changes that promote weight gain. Other foods, however, can increase the feeling of satiety and speed up metabolism.
Myth 4: More sweating during a workout means faster weight loss
Fact: Sweating and weight loss are two completely separate processes
Because of this myth, many people struggling with obesity persistently do cardio workouts to exhaustion, simply because they cause more sweating, which is perceived as weight loss. Sweating causes us to lose water and salts, which are replenished through hydration. Instead, it is necessary to increase muscle mass, which also speeds up metabolism, and for this, full-body strength training is needed, not just “cardio.”
The essence is to view obesity as a problem on multiple levels and it cannot be resolved partially. As important as diet is, so are training and optimal recovery. The MyFitWorld platform allows you to make training enjoyable and a part of your daily routine by using the latest technology. A very important part of the fight against obesity is for training to be tailored and continuous. Expertly designed programs allow you to have a plan tailored to you, always available on your phone.
With an MFW Premium account, you have access to a community of trainers with whom you can get in touch and establish cooperation that will lead you to your fitness goal. Additionally, we have provided you with numerous discounts with our partners.
Summer is coming, do the best thing for yourself—GET MOVING FOR HEALTH!
MyFitWorld Team
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