With so many proclaimed ‘weight loss’ tricks out there, how is one to separate the fact from the fiction? If you are looking for a quick way to lose weight, then unfortunately you may be disappointed. There is no real way to achieve long-term weight loss, unless you are dedicated, committed and have all the right knowledge at hand.

There is an age-old expression that says if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is. So, we’ve collated the top 5 weight loss myths that are definitely too good to be true, to help you burn fat the healthy way.

Starving yourself
The idea of ‘crash diets’ isn’t exactly a new phenomenon. If you have ever tried one, you’ll know they simply don’t work. Even though you may lose weight fast to begin with, your metabolism will catch up after a few weeks, resulting in the weight piling back on. Not only can this have a negative effect on your physical state, but also your mental health too.

All calories are created equal
A calorie is a measure of energy. There is a myth that all calorie sources have the same effect on weight loss. However, the metabolic pathways that food passes through can vary depending on the type of food in question. As such, different foods can have different effects on hunger, as well as the hormones that regulate body weight.

Supplements can help with weight loss
The industry for weight loss supplements is growing at an increasing pace. There are all sorts of different products on the market, all of which claim to have dramatic effects.

Interestingly though, research has found that one of the main reasons that supplements have an effect on weight loss, is due to the placebo effect. This is where people are more conscious of what they are eating and what exercise they are doing, because they are taking supplements.

There are some supplements that can help with weight loss, but only if used in conjunction with healthy eating and regular exercise. Supplements alone are not a one-way ticket to weight loss.

Carbs make you fat
Restricting yourself to a low-carb diet can help with weight loss. However, this does not mean that an excess amount of carbs is the direct cause of weight gain.
Refined carbohydrates, like sugar and grains, can definitely be one cause of weight gain. However, whole foods and carbohydrates with high carob contents can be very healthy in moderation.

Skinny equals healthy
There is a common misconception that being thin equates to being healthy. However, there is a term that is medically known as metabolically obese normal weight – or ‘skinny fat’. This is a phrase that describes someone who looks fit and healthy on the outside, however due to a lack of exercise and poor diet, are at an increasing risk of inner-health problems.

When losing weight, you want to avoid the mentality that being skinny equates to being healthy. This is something that can be discussed further with a health or fitness professional, ensuring that you are maximising your gym-routine to instil healthy weight-loss practices.