The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognized the raging obesity epidemic in the country in 2001. Today, enormous resources are being spent to combat this scourge, but its effectiveness is low. One of the reasons for this situation is the myths that most Americans accept at face value.
In the United States, 35% of men, 40% of women, and 17% of children and adolescents are overweight. The country spends over $210 billion annually on the war on obesity, or 21% of the healthcare budget. Another $60 billion is spent by citizens themselves, purchasing various products designed to promote weight loss.
Enormous spending, however, doesn't diminish the severity of the problem. The prevalence of obesity continues to rise. Experts predict that, due to obesity-related diseases, the life expectancy of the current generation of Americans could decline for the first time in 200 years.
Ordinary citizens get most of their information about obesity and how to combat it from the media. Several years ago, American researchers analyzed publications in the most popular media and identified several persistent myths that persisted from article to article.
According to Tammy Chang and Angie Wang of the University of Michigan, these popular misconceptions not only contradict scientific evidence, but also hinder effective obesity treatment, misinform patients, and prevent them from fighting excess weight.
Myth #1
Small changes in energy intake or expenditure can lead to long-term significant weight loss.
Unfortunately, this isn't true. Obesity can't be defeated with a little effort. Certainly, even minor dietary restrictions that bring one closer to rational food consumption are preferable to overeating, just as a 100-meter walk is healthier than “relaxing” on a soft sofa all day.
But if the goal is to achieve a healthy weight, more significant efforts will be required. Intensive physical training and a radical overhaul of your diet and eating habits are essential.
Myth #2
When fighting obesity, it's important to set realistic, achievable goals; otherwise, you may become frustrated, which will reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
There's no scientific evidence that aiming for the stars leads to disappointment. On the contrary, researchers from the Maryland-based National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases argue that pursuing a more meaningful goal can lead to better weight loss results.
Myth #3
A significant and rapid initial weight loss will slow down the process in the long run and lead to worse results than a smooth, gradual weight loss.
This issue was studied at the University of Florida. It turned out that rapid weight loss at the initial stage is more beneficial in both the short and long term. Patients with strong motivation not only get a quick start, but also achieve better results by the end of treatment, and are no more prone to relapse than those who lost weight slowly.
Myth #4
When having sex, each partner burns 100-300 kilocalories.
This is a popular and pleasant misconception, but it's still a misconception. Sex is a poor alternative to walking, jogging, and exercise. On average, Americans spend about six minutes on “intimate activities.” During this time, a 30-year-old man burns only 21 kilocalories. If he sits in a chair and watches TV instead of sex, his calorie expenditure would be 14 kilocalories.
Despite popular myths being debunked by science, Americans continue to believe them. Researchers from Michigan surveyed over 300 patients at a family medicine clinic. Between 61% and 94% of respondents believed each of the above misconceptions. Even doctors fall victim to these myths.