Obesity affects one in every three adults in the United States, putting them at risk for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Obesity is characterized according to how a person’s weight corresponds to their height through the body mass index (BMI) measurement. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or greater. Overweight people fall within the 25 to 29.9 BMI range.
Obesity is caused by a combination of eating and drinking too many calories, as well as a lack of proper physical exercise, however, the underlying causes are more complex. Obesity is a complicated condition, and a lack of accurate knowledge can lead to the emergence of potentially dangerous beliefs and misconceptions, even among people who are obese. Here are five myths about obesity that should be addressed ASAP.
1. Obese people are lazy
Obesity is influenced by an inactive lifestyle, and increasing activity can help with weight loss, however, obesity is caused by more than just inactivity. This is not to say that physical activity isn’t important for good health, but the reality is more complicated. Another aspect to consider is that not everyone can engage in physical activities. Certain physical disabilities, for example, might make moving difficult or impossible.
Moreover, certain mental health conditions can have a negative influence on motivation — and there appears to be a link between depression and fat, which adds to the complication. Also, some obese people may have a negative body image, which may make leaving the house more difficult.
2. Exercise is more effective for weight loss than a healthy diet
Exercise can help you lose weight, but only a little, generally no more than 5 pounds. One probable explanation is that greater physical activity frequently leads to an increase in appetite and less concern about what meals are ingested, compensating for the additional calories burnt during exercise. Reducing calories through diet appears to be more beneficial than increasing activity in promoting weight reduction.
3. Losing weight requires an extreme exercise regimen
Making little changes that you can keep for a long period is the key to successful weight reduction. This involves increasing your physical activity in your everyday routine. People should obtain at least 150 minutes of physical exercise per week, and those who are overweight are likely to require more than this to lose weight.
You should use more calories than you consume in order to lose weight. This can be done by eating fewer calories and exercising more. However, for highly obese people, it may not be enough in some circumstances. Adjustments in food and exercise can result in weight reduction, but more than half of individuals who lose weight eventually regain it. In this case, obese people can benefit from weight loss surgery.
4. Obesity has no negative effects on health
Obesity is linked to a number of medical issues. Obesity, for example, raises the risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and various mental health issues. However, even minor weight loss might give positive health effects.
5. You may lose weight fast by eating one meal per day
While skipping meals may result in quick weight loss, the results will not last. Reducing your food intake doesn’t provide your body with the fuel it requires to perform optimally. You won’t be able to go about your everyday activities normally.
Skipping meals can sometimes cause excessive hunger, which can lead to overindulgence and extra calories. Instead, stick to three meals every day. The basic recommendation is to have a healthy meal every four to five hours. If you are hungry, choose a healthy snack to keep you on track.
