Debunking diet and weight loss myths

It starts with the waistband feeling a little tight. As time goes by, you find yourself feeling more and more uncomfortable in your clothes. Before you know it, you’re making excuses not to do the activities you once enjoyed with friends and family because you’re unhappy with your body and your confidence is plummeting to an all-time low.

Here at YourGP, our team understand what a huge impact excessive weight gain can have, not just on your physical health, but on your mental well-being too. That’s why we’re always happy to offer advice about the positive, long-term lifestyle changes you can make to help you lose excess weight in a healthy and sustainable way. Because the truth is, there isn’t an overnight solution, despite what the latest fad diet promises…

Top five weight loss myths debunked

It’s hard not to be swayed by the promise of a “quick fix” when you’re feeling low and scrolling through supposed success stories on social media. But it’s also important to remember that social media is awash with misinformation and filtered images, and that most of these fad diets are based on myths, many of which can be harmful:

1. Myth: Skipping meals will make you lose weight.
No, skipping meals can actually force your body’s metabolism to slow down in an attempt to conserve energy. This can often lead to damaging cycles where food restriction leads to intense hunger, which then leads to periods of overeating, or a tendency to choose less nutritional, higher calorie foods such as fatty and sugary snacks.

2. Myth: Low-fat foods and diet drinks are the healthy choice.
This is not the case. Many of these products often contain high amounts of sugar or salt to improve taste.

3. Myth: Being slim is an indication of health.
This is not true. A person can look slim but have high levels of unhealthy visceral fat.

4. Myth: Cutting out whole food groups such as carbs or fat is the answer.
Absolutely not! Carbohydrates are essential for energy and healthy fats are essential for metabolism. Therefore, the focus should be on making healthier choices such as choosing wholefoods over refined carbs and saturated fats, and making sure your overall diet is well balanced.

5. Myth: Weight loss is linear.
Weight loss never follows a linear path. Instead, our weight can fluctuate on a daily basis depending on a variety of factors such as food intake, water retention and hormones. So rather than obsessing about a daily weigh-in, it’s better to look at your general weight trends across weeks and months, rather than focusing on daily fluctuations.

So what is the answer?

A balanced diet and regular exercise is the key to weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. Making healthy choices on a regular basis – such as walking to the shops instead of driving, or cooking a nutritious dinner instead of ordering a takeaway – will become part of your daily routine and you’ll soon notice the difference.

For those that need a little extra help

For some people, it can be hard to start the journey to shifting excess weight. But weight loss injections can be an effective tool when coupled with a balanced diet and regular exercise. They work by simulating natural hormones that suppress appetite, slow down digestion and promote prolonged satiety.

What to expect from weight loss injections at YourGP

To begin, we’ll ask you to complete a pre-screening questionnaire. This will be reviewed by our weight management team. If you are a suitable candidate for our service, you will then attend a baseline health check with one of our healthcare technicians. This appointment includes a blood test, as well as some basic measurements, which will provide the GP with important information. It also enables the GP to provide a bespoke service catered specifically to your individual needs. We’ll keep an eye on your weight loss progress through review appointments, along with repeat blood tests, to ensure the medication is working in a safe and effective manner.

Speak to the experts

If you’re struggling with excess weight and you’d like to speak to a health expert about positive lifestyle changes and potential treatment options, you can book an appointment using our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.