Monday 4 February 2013

Weight-Loss Myths Refuted in New Review

No topic in the world of health and fitness excites as much comment or discussion as weight loss. Consequently, most of us have several firm beliefs in our head on 'what works' and what does not. However, as you will read below, many of these beliefs are only half-truths and often are downright false. A special article published in one of the most respected medical journals, was published a few days back which debunked many of the myths. These myths are listed below, and I have added 'my take' to each of them, for what its worth!

The findings were published online January 31 in a special article in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here is a link to the article, but you need to be a member to read the whole article:

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1208051?query=featured_home


The below article on the subject has been pasted from theheart.org, and the full link for the article is below.

http://www.theheart.org/article/1501837.doutm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Theheartorg+(theheart.org)

The authors discuss a total of 7 myths, along with refuting evidence. Here are some examples:

Small changes in food intake and/or exercise will produce large, long term weight changes — This idea was based on the old idea that 3500 kcal equals 1 pound of weight. But it does not take into account the fact that energy requirements change as body mass changes over time. So, as weight is lost, it takes increasingly more exercise and reduced intake to perpetuate the loss.

My take: In other words, as you begin losing weight you will need to curb your caloric intake further and / or increase your caloric output to continue losing weight at the same pace.


Realistic weight-loss goals will keep people motivated — This idea seems reasonable, but it is not supported by evidence. In fact, several studies have shown that people with very ambitious goals lose more weight (eg, TV's The Biggest Loser).

My take: Actually, I used to believe in realistic and gradual weight loss goals too, and still do, but with a caveat. I have realized that for those who are very heavy (say, at least 30 kg above ideal body weight), gradual weight loss does not work. One of the reasons, in my opinion, is that a 6-8 kg weight loss (which may take a few months, when done 'sensibly') usually, does not show on the person, and no one notices. I feel, that positive feedback and 'wow' comments from near and dear ones go a long way in keeping up motivation, and often gradual weight loss does not lead to that.


Slow, gradual weight loss is best for long-term success — Actually, a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled weight-loss trials found that rapid weight loss via very-low-calorie diets resulted in significantly more weight loss (16% vs 10% of body weight) at 6 months, and differences in weight loss persisted up to 18 months (Int J Behav Med. 2010;17:161-167).

My take: I am surprised to know that the weight loss persisted up to 18 months. Will need to read the entire article to be satisfied on this one.


A bout of sexual activity burns 100 to 300 kcal per person — With intense sexual activity, a 154-pound man burns approximately 3.5 kcal per minute. However, given that the average amount of time spent during one stimulation and orgasm session is about 6 minutes, this man might expend about 21 kcal total. But, he would burn about 7 kcal per minute just lying on the couch, so that amount has to be subtracted, which gives a grand total of 14 kcals of energy expended.

My take: So much for all the 'studs' who thought they were getting a great workout between the sheets.

The article also explores 6 "presumptions," or widely accepted beliefs that are neither proven nor disproven. Among them:


Eating breakfast prevents obesity — Actually, 2 studies showed no effect of eating vs skipping breakfast.


Adding fruits and vegetables to the diet results in weight loss — Adding more calories of any type without making any other changes is likely to cause weight gain. Eating fruits and vegetables is healthful, however.


Weight cycling, aka "yoyo dieting," increases mortality — The data are from observational studies and likely confounded by health status.

Finally, the authors offer 9 facts about obesity and weight loss that are supported by data, among them:

Moderate environmental changes can promote as much weight loss as even the best weight-loss drugs.

Diets do produce weight loss, but attempting to diet and telling someone to diet are not necessarily the same thing.

Physical activity does help in promoting weight loss and has health benefits even in the absence of weight loss.

For overweight children, involving the family and home environment in weight-loss efforts is ideal.

Providing actual meals or meal replacements works better for weight loss than does general advice about food choices.

Both weight-loss drugs and bariatric surgery can help achieve long-term weight loss in some individuals.






28 comments:


  1. Abouthealths | Health and Fitness News, Tips, Recipes, and Exercises.any information then click http://abouthealths.info/

    Weight Loss
    health and fitness

    ReplyDelete
  2. This was a real big undertaking,Your posts look fabulous!!!How creative! It looks stunningly beautiful and I am so jealous of you!Great job!!!


    Allergy Supplement

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am very glad to have found this blog. I am really impressed. It is very encouraging for all. Please do visit:
    www.weightlossslimmingstore.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I agree your views. Atmosphere and equipment available in my Birmingham Gym gives me great inspiration and motivation for me to visit my gym and achieve my fitness goals successfully.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Excellent article! Yes we should do some effective exercises regularly and adding fruits and vegetables in our diet plan to lose weigh fast.
    physiotherapist bergen county , back and neck pain bergen county , low back pain bergen county , chiropractor bergen county

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awesome blog and helpful information. This is a excellent blog about weight loss. I have found many important information from your blog and nice comment. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love this post very much because this post is very excellent and helpful about weight loss.

      Delete
  8. Juicy fruits like water melon,orange,pine apple were very good for health.Include leafy vegetables daily in your diet.

    Ephedra & Ephedra Pills

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your post give such a good information about best hotels & restaurants in north devon and provide a best service.


    diet drops & hcg diet program

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great detailed information, I ll be visiting you more frequently, here is very interesting information.
    Diet Drops & Hcg Diet Program

    ReplyDelete
  11. I prefer natural weight loss products for any kind of health products. It will be provide affordable fitness products.
    Tanning Injections & Melanotan Nasal Spray

    ReplyDelete
  12. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. what is the best diet pill on the market

    ReplyDelete



  13. We are urgently in need of kidney donors for the sum of $450,000,00,
    Email: onlinecareunit@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete



  14. We are urgently in need of kidney donors in global hospitals group India for the sum of $500,000,00,( 3 CRORE INDIA RUPEES) All donors are to reply via Email: onlinecareunit@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thankfulness to my dad who informed me relating to this blog, this website is really amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Fantastic blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any suggestions? Many thanks! weight loss surgery

    ReplyDelete
  17. Loved your post, these are really some nice weight loss tips after 60.

    ReplyDelete
  18. This foam disintegrates into volatile organic compounds that locate their manner into the air. whitewingedwolfwoman.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. It is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I will be back for the more great post. https://bmiwiki.com/bmi-calculator/

    ReplyDelete
  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post.
    seat cushion for car

    ReplyDelete
  22. This particular is usually apparently essential and moreover outstanding truth along with for sure fair-minded and moreover admittedly useful My business is looking to find in advance designed for this specific useful stuffs… keto tone shark tank

    ReplyDelete
  23. Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I'm becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! radiantly slim reviews

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for sharing the info, keep up the good work going.... I really enjoyed exploring your site. good resource...
    the best Philadelphia weight loss doctor

    ReplyDelete
  25. I finally found great post here.I will get back here. I just added your blog to my bookmark sites. thanks.Quality posts is the crucial to invite the visitors to visit the web page, that's what this web page is providing. มัลติวิตพลัส

    ReplyDelete
  26. The first and foremost among heart health tips is that better lifestyle habits can help you reduce your risk for heart attack.  It Works Cleanse

    ReplyDelete