Dieting and weight loss is a $40 billion dollar industry, which keeps getting bigger each year, as more and more people in western nations struggle to maintain their ideal weight.
Unfortunately, it’s an industry that is based on a fundamental conflict of interest…
The more successful the industry is, the less necessary it becomes.
If the latest miracle weight loss cure actually worked, soon everyone would be doing it, and the company that came up with the cure would be out of business.
Put another way, the diet industry is in fact, rewarded by your failure.
While some of the information out there about dieting and weight loss can be helpful, there are a few myths that the weight loss industry tend to perpetuate.
4 Diet Myths You Need to Understand
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Myth #1 Fad Diets Work
If only this were true.
The fact is that fad diets last only as long as you follow them. And most, are not healthy plans for long-term eating.
This myth is very enticing, since many of these diet plans do produce short term weight loss.
However, the initial euphoria at losing weight is often replaced with the harsh reality of regaining those pounds, as soon as you stop “dieting.”
This can sends you off once again, looking for the next miracle weight loss diet, and before you know it, you’ve spent more money on another plan that is ultimately doomed to fail.
To lose weight permanently, you need a lifestyle change, which you will be able to maintain for the rest of your life, not another four week program.
Myth #2 Weight Loss is Easy and Fast
The fact is, losing weight is rarely easy, or fast.
It takes time, dedication, and a commitment to change the lifestyle that caused your weight problem in the first place.
Don’t be afraid of spending that time. It will be time well spent in the long-run.
Myth #3 Scientific Studies Are Unbiased
Unfortunately, many studies are biased, or based on false assumptions.
In fact, many of the studies conducted on a given plan or product, are conducted by the very company which produces the diet — it’s impossible for them to be objective about their own product.
Another problem with studies is the variability in the test subjects used. Many studies use university students or health professionals, who may have very little in common with you. So, what works for them, may not work for you, and vice versa.
Also, studies by their very nature, tend to isolate one specific issue or function of weight loss, without considering the totality of an individual’s lifestyle.
Circumstances in the lab rarely mirror circumstances in the real world, and this can make many of the studies rather suspect at best.
That’s not to say you should disregard all scientific studies, but it’s good to be aware of potential flaws, as this will allow you to interpret the data better.
Myth #4 Testimonials Indicate a Products Strength
The truth is, testimonials can be exaggerated, or outright falsehoods.
There’s no process in place to verify any of the information you see in a testimonial, and weight loss companies know this.
It’s highly unlikely you will ever meet the person who provided a testimonial, so there is no way to verify their claims.
In addition, it’s rare to see negative testimonials.
So, if 95% of individuals who tried a weight loss program gained weight, you certainly won’t see this information in the company’s advertising campaign.
Unfortunately, the diet and weight loss industry is a big part of the problem.
By luring us with ‘magic bullet’ promises of a quick and easy way to lose weight, they ignore the most important message of all…
When it comes right down to it, losing weight is about making small, consistent, and significant changes to your lifestyle, which over time, will result in long-term, sustainable weight loss.
Taking small steps, and making healthy choices is the only way to lose weight and keep it off for life.
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"Great motivational material to absorb!! Thanks!" — Cindy Etier
She's been featured in various publications, approached by TV production teams, and in the past 5 years has established herself as one of the foremost dietitians online.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
ok they are basically myths
BUT
they can be a starting point if you don’t know where to start…esp the fad diets. You hopefully will understand at the end or somewhere on that journey that it’s all hype and it’s not going to work
UNTIL as you say “work through what got you overweight in the first place”
AND the “easy and fast” can applied to many things that are linked to goals. sometimes on your journey that seems so cut/dried the pathways reaches a cross road or a brick drops down into the path that causes a rethink
it might be the time when the you realise that the ‘fad’ diet isn’t working; or it may be a personal crisis that makes everything either ‘fall’ over or you ‘rethink’ the process
I AM currently on a “snail wins the race” scenario based a number of pathway/goal problems that occurred in 2010 and now I am on a habit forming ‘slow race’ which might well take all of 2011 to evolve…
Hi Cathy,
That’s the way to go. That ‘slow race’ will get you there eventually, rather than yo-yoing on and off diets like crazy.
I agree with all your myths, especially # 1&2. People are always looking for a “quick fix” or “magic pill” that will transform their life.
But it’s not about just losing weight. It’s about developing a sustainable, healthy lifestyle that helps you get to and maintain the best weight for you while giving your body what it needs to operate at peak performance.
The most successful dieters are the ones that don’t worry about weight, but instead focus on health and proper nutrition.
Hi Michael,
I totally agree with you, in fact, I’ve written a free ebook about what we can learn from the naturally thin, which touches on what you’ve said.
So totally agree with Michael!
.-= Kristina´s last blog ..Learn more about how to deal with health issues while traveling Great article from our team on the Sleeping On Buses Blog =-.
Hey Melanie, there are a gazillion myths in the fitness, diet, fat loss, and supplements industry because it preys on a very emotional issue for people and has the most money to be made.
My theory is it is a conspiracy and that all myths stem from the food and drug industries. Anything to make $$$
.-= Susan@Home Workouts´s last blog ..How To Lose Weight Quick and Easy =-.
Hi Susan,
Agh, I know what you mean… ridiculous!
You should honestly read this article I just wrote on the problems associated with the fitness industry. Honestly, there are so many gimmicks, and misinformation as well as shaky advice with incomplete thoughts that its hard to get started unless you have the right guidance. It takes awhile to fish through all the BS. There are definitely problems with the Health and fitness industry industry.
Thanks for sharing your article… good to read a ‘real’ take on it for once!
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