Myth #1 All weight loss is healthy

 

Till the Middle Ages the earth was considered to be flat. Mankind has always been surrounded by many myths and continues to do so even despite science is giving us new insights every day. Weight loss science is no exception. In fact, it is nearly plagued by huge popular misconceptions. I believe the reason behind more myths prevailing in this space is people’s lack of study and true priority. Weight loss to a large population still needs no expertise. For lot many people it’s just eating less and move more. But with time, change in our lifestyle, eating pattern, busy schedule, weight loss needs deeper understanding and right knowledge. If we had been living in jungles or villages, we would not have bothered about these facts or myths. But in city life it needs deeper knowledge to address this rightly.

Let us know about the 5 most popular beliefs which I find very prevalent in my conversation with people.

To help you allay these dis-belief I am starting a series of my blogs. Will address the first myth in my this blog. In my successive blogs you will find the facts against these myths.

Myth #1: Weight loss is always healthy

People try many things to achieve their weight loss goal. For example first is, I believe, starting workouts, then many popular fad diets, then comes eating less and skipping meals, avoiding calories at any cost and many more. There is a popular belief that weight loss in any form by hook or by crook is  healthy. Do whatever but just lose weight. But does it work? And even if it helps to shed few pounds initially from body, is it healthy?

To find the right answer we need little understanding of our body weight. Our body weight has two components. 1) fat mass – Weight of fat in our body which is only required minimally 2) Weight of fat free mass – weight of muscles, bones and organ, higher it is healthier it will be generally. So, one should strive to lose fat from body and increase fat free mass. Its clear that not all weight loss is healthy, only fat loss is healthy. The right nomenclature is thus fat loss not weight loss.

When you lose fat free mass (mainly loss of muscles from body) you become weaker, unhealthy, tired, with poorer skin and age faster.

With all the tactics described earlier people actually lose their muscles in the name of weight loss. They might look thin (that too not sustainable) and weigh less on weighing machine but they moved steps closer to sickness. The right thing is to reduce fat percentage from your body. There are lot of machines available in market to measure fat percentage in your body. And how to achieve fat loss? Its no rocket science. You need Healthy Active Lifestyle consistently. That eating well (nutrient dense food, on time with right frequency and right quantity), sleeping well (early to bed, 7-8 hour sleep, sleep well everyday), think well (being stress free, joyful and blissful), move well (exercising 30-45 minutes daily). And what are the signs of fat loss? First of all you will feel healthier, younger and energetic.

Now I think you have a better understanding that not all weight loss is healthy. Work for fat loss, being healthy and happy. Fitness is a never-ending journey, there is no destination. Enjoy your journey and if you have not started yet, start it today. Reach out for help and guidance.