Misinformation about weight is common in our social and psychological landscape. Here are a few myths on obesity and your lifestyle choices…
Myth: Overweight and obese people are basically lazy. Hence the weight gain!
Fact: The World Obesity Federation points out that our lifestyle choices are deeply influenced by social, physical and economic factors. Ultra-processed, fast food, food deserts, sedentary lifestyles and poor sleep, all impact lifestyle habits negatively, contributing to weight gain.
Myth: Fat-free products are healthier.
Fact: While fat-free products may have less fat, they are often loaded with added sugar, salt, or artificial ingredients to compensate for the lack of fat, making them unhealthy. Choose the right fats.
Myth: All vegetarian foods help you stay lean.
Fact: Plant-based, vegetarian diets do help reduce weight and keep a lot of lifestyle health issues at bay. However, not everything that is vegetarian or plant-based is healthy and contributes to weight loss. White rice, all-purpose flour, white sugar, are all vegetarian but, instead of lowering obesity, contribute to it. You need to eat the right foods.
Myth: Weight is a pressing concern for those who suffer from obesity.
Fact: Most people think that their weight is average. They also overestimate how healthy their food choices are. Obesity is certainly not a daily pressing concern. It starts being a concern only if there are accompanying health issues.
Myth: We need social pressures to lose weight.
Fact: Social pressures to be thin and lose weight may actually cause weight gain in people. Yo-yo diets promote more-than-average weight gain. Social factors also discourage physical activity in certain people. Weight-related bullying during physical activity is associated with poor attitudes toward sports and often reduces even mild physical activity in public.