Weight loss is tied to the body's metabolism, a complex network of hormones and enzymes responsible not only for converting food into energy but also for controlling how efficiently you burn that energy. People with a high metabolic rate tend not to gain weight no matter how much they eat, while those with a low rate have a hard time taking off one or two kilogrammes. Studies have shown that about 30% of an individual's health problems stem from epigenetic factors, ie factors related to one's DNA. In simple terms, many health problems result from genetics; genes controls hormones, and hormones control metabolism.
Research has also shown that losing weight in an unhealthy way can cause long-term damage to the body's metabolic system. Many trendy diets pose a threat to the thyroid hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland which regulates metabolism.
MYTH #1:
Eating less will make you thin
It is a common misconception that simply eating less or even fasting is the sure way to lose unwanted weight. This misconception is fuelled by the fact that the approach appears to work at the outset. However, the slimming effects soon stop as the body automatically adjusts to the reduced calorie intake by slowing the metabolism to conserve energy. Reducing calories or fasting on a long-term basis is not only an ineffective weight loss strategy; it's also deleterious to the health and an easy way to create a hormone imbalance. For successful weight control, it's critical to follow a healthier diet, with sufficient calories and nutrients, and in some cases eating more frequent, smaller-portion meals.
MYTH #2:
If you lose weight you will feel better
Many people look at losing weight as a "magic bullet" that offers a new lease on life and an abundance of rewards. This can be the case when done properly. But if not, health problems are the more likely outcome.
Along with hormone imbalances, frequent, improper dieting is a leading cause of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Researchers recently demonstrated a connection between dieting and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is fat soluble, and the deficiency is a common result of trendy diets focused on avoiding fats.
Lack of variety in our diets is another cause of vitamin deficiencies. Food technology has expanded food choice and affordability, allowing us to eat our favourite foods more often. This has made it far easier to load our diets with too much of some foods and too little of others, making it easy to miss out on essential vitamins and nutrients.
It also puts us at greater risk of toxin accumulation. For example, a person who loves salmon risks consuming an excessive amount of toxins if the fish were raised in a toxic environment. Our bodies store the toxins in areas with less circulation, namely in body fat. Dieting triggers fat burning, which can cause the toxins to be released; this can trigger health problems and quickly dispel the myth that dieting makes you feel better.
MYTH #3:
Exercise = weight loss
It seems logical that the more you exercise, the more weight you'll lose. Many people take this to the extreme _ a dangerous decision that won't produce the desired weight-loss effect. Too much physical exertion causes the body to compensate for the heavy stress by storing energy, a process that entails accumulating fat and retaining water.
Extreme exercise also makes the body more prone to inflammation, causes hair to become dry, and promotes wrinkles and other ageing effects. Exercising too much can cause insomnia and lingering aches and pains instead of the normal refreshed feeling.
To lose weight the healthy way, avoid fad diets, eat a variety of foods, and don't overdo the exercise.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/258479/myths-and-misconceptions-about-weight-loss
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