3 Weight Loss Myths To Throw Out In 2021

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As women in the modern world, it can feel overwhelming when we think about the pressures on our bodies. We have kids and jobs, run our homes and try to enjoy life despite how busy it can get – but among all these exciting things are the aspects of life that drag us down. One of those things is weight stigma – constantly feeling like we want, or need, to lose weight. 

While it is only normal to want to stay fit and healthy into middle age, there’s a line between being fit and healthy and being obsessed with weight loss. When we believe the lies that we’re told about weight loss, it can be impossible to overcome the impact this has on our self esteem.

In today’s post, we’ll be discussing 3 weight loss myths that most people believe, and showing you how to toss them out of the window in 2021!

Myth #1: Weight is more important than other health factors.

There’s no doubting that your weight affects your health in many different ways. Being overweight or underweight by a significant amount can damage your organs, make you tired and generally affect your musculoskeletal structure too. 

However, weight is not the only factor that you should be paying attention to when it comes to your health. It is one of many factors that come into play when you are looking to improve your mind and body. These other factors include: 

• Body fat percentage. A body fat percentage that is too high or too low can cause issues including hormonal imbalance, posture problems and general lack of strength. This can be considered equally as important as weight!
• Mental health. Your body’s looks are only worth enjoying if your mind is healthy too. 

Myth #2: You should always be trying to lose weight to be healthy.

Weight loss isn’t necessary for all people – in fact, for some people, it can hinder their health rather than help it. As a mom, the pressure is probably on you to lose all your baby weight right away – but during pregnancy our bodies change for a reason, and it is normal to look and feel different afterwards. Focusing on eating good foods and moving your body, rather than the outer appearance it has, is the way forward. 

Myth #3: Weight loss is a level playing field for all people.

Genetics and muscle memory play a huge role in your ability to lose weight as an adult. Some people naturally have fast metabolisms, while others need to work much harder to lose weight due to slow metabolism. 

Similarly, if you were highly active and muscular as a younger person, it will be easier for you to return to that muscularity now. If you’re only now getting into exercise, it will inevitably take longer to find your muscle tone.

Remember, weight loss isn’t a level playing field for all people. You can sometimes plateau when you are losing weight, then all of a sudden drop weight almost overnight (this is called the Fat Whoosh Effect – click here for a Fat Whoosh Effect article!).

Ultimately, your weight is your business and nobody else’s. Don’t subscribe to the myth that you owe society your thinness – you owe it to yourself to be happy.