Health

10 Weight Loss Myths

Losing weight can be a challenging journey, but it’s also an important one for many people who want to improve their health and well-being.

With so much information available on the topic, it can be hard to separate facts from weight loss myths.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the fundamentals of losing weight and debunk 10 common weight loss myths that can lead you astray.

Whether you’re just starting your weight loss journey or looking to fine-tune your existing habits, this post will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to achieve your goals in a healthy, sustainable way. So, let’s get started!

10 weight loss myths you should be aware of

Myth: You Can Spot-Reduce Fat

Many people believe that they can target specific areas of their body for fat loss through exercises that target those areas.

However, this is a myth. You cannot spot-reduce fat from a specific area of your body. Fat loss occurs all over your body, not just in one area.

Instead of focusing on spot-reducing, it’s better to focus on overall weight loss through a combination of calorie reduction and exercise.

Myth: Crash Diets Are Effective for Long-Term Weight Loss

Crash diets promise quick weight loss, but they are not effective for long-term weight loss. Most crash diets severely restrict calorie intake and can lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and a slowed metabolism.

Instead of crash dieting, focus on making gradual changes to your diet and exercise habits that are sustainable in the long term.

Myth: Carbs Are Bad for Weight Loss

Carbohydrates often get a bad reputation when it comes to weight loss, but they are an essential part of a healthy diet. Carbs provide the body with energy, help build muscle, and are found in many healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Instead of cutting out carbs completely, focus on choosing healthy, complex carbs and moderating your intake.

Myth: Fat-Free and Low-Fat Foods Are Always Healthy

Fat-free and low-fat foods may seem like a healthy choice, but they often contain added sugars and other additives to compensate for the lack of fat. These additives can actually make these foods less healthy than their full-fat counterparts.

Instead of choosing fat-free or low-fat foods, focus on choosing whole foods that are naturally low in fat.

Myth: Skipping Meals Will help Weight loss

Skipping meals may seem like an easy way to reduce your calorie intake, but it can actually have the opposite effect. When you skip meals, you are more likely to overeat at your next meal and can slow down your metabolism.

Instead of skipping meals, focus on eating regular, balanced meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism steady and avoid overeating.

Myth: Exercise Is the Only Way to Lose Weight

While having an exercise plan is an important part of weight loss, it’s not the only way to lose weight. Diet plays a much larger role in weight loss than exercise.

Instead of relying solely on exercise, focus on creating a calorie deficit through a combination of diet and exercise.

Myth: Weight Loss Supplements Are Effective

Weight loss supplements promise quick and easy weight loss, but they are often ineffective and can even be dangerous.

Many weight loss supplements are not regulated by the FDA, and some have been found to contain harmful ingredients.

Instead of relying on weight loss supplements, focus on making healthy changes to your diet and exercise habits.

Myth: Eating Late at Night Causes Weight Gain

Many people believe that eating late at night can cause weight gain, but this is a myth. Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than you burn, regardless of the time of day.

Instead of worrying about the time of day you eat, focus on creating a calorie deficit through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Myth: All Calories Are Equal

Not all calories are equal when it comes to weight loss. Calories from nutrient-dense, whole foods are more beneficial for weight loss than calories from processed or junk foods.

Instead of focusing solely on calorie intake, focus on choosing nutrient-dense, whole foods that will provide your body with the nutrients it needs.

Myth: A Slow Metabolism makes it impossible for weight loss

While a slow metabolism can make weight loss more difficult, it doesn’t mean that weight loss is impossible.

There area few things you can do to boost your metabolism, such as strength training, eating protein-rich foods, and staying hydrated.

Instead of using a slow metabolism as an excuse for not being able to lose weight, focus on making healthy changes to your diet and exercise habits that will support your weight loss goals.

The fundamentals of losing weight

Losing weight can be a challenging process, but it’s essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being.

While there are many different strategies and approaches to weight loss, there are some fundamental principles that underpin successful weight loss efforts.

Caloric Deficit

A caloric deficit is definitely not a weight loss myth. This means that you need to burn more calories than you consume on a daily basis.

There are a few ways to achieve this, including reducing your food intake and increasing your physical activity level.

Tracking your caloric intake and expenditure can be a useful tool in creating a caloric deficit. Apps and websites such as MyFitnessPal and Fitbit can help you keep track of your calories and physical activity.

Balanced Diet

Another fundamental principle of weight loss is maintaining a balanced diet. A balanced diet consists of a variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

Protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, fish, and beans, can also help you feel satiated and can aid in preserving muscle mass during weight loss.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is also essential for weight loss. Not only does exercise burn calories, but it can also help you build and maintain muscle mass, which can boost your metabolism and aid in weight loss.

Incorporating both cardio and strength training into your exercise routine can help you maximize your weight loss efforts.

Cardiovascular exercises, such as running or cycling, can help you burn calories and increase your heart rate.

Strength training exercises, such as weight lifting or bodyweight exercises, can help you build muscle and boost your metabolism.

Consistency

Finally, consistency is key when it comes to weight loss. Sustainable weight loss requires a long-term commitment and motivation for healthy habits, including regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Making small, gradual changes to your lifestyle can help you build healthy habits that are sustainable in the long run. Setting achievable goals and tracking your progress can also help you stay motivated and consistent in your weight loss efforts.

In conclusion, creating a caloric deficit, maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistency are the fundamental principles of successful weight loss.

Incorporating these principles into your lifestyle can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall health and well-being.

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Health

Report Causes Pfizer Stock to Climb Approximately $1 Billion Acquired by Starboard

(VOR News) – According to a rumor that activist investor Pfizer Starboard Value has taken a holding in the struggling pharmaceutical business that is expected to be worth around one billion dollars, the stock of Pfizer (PFE) is on the increase in premarket trading on Monday.

This comes after the report was made public. The report was made available to the general public following this. Starboard Value was successful in moving forward with the acquisition of the position.

Starboard is said to have approached Ian Read, a former chief executive officer of Pfizer, and Frank D’Amelio, a former chief financial officer, in order to seek assistance with its goals of boosting the performance of the company, according to the Wall Street Journal. Read and D’Amelio are both former Pfizer executives.

The purpose of this is to facilitate the accomplishment of its objectives, which include enhancing the overall performance of the firm.

In their previous jobs, D’Amelio and Read were chief financial officers.

It is stated in the report that the hedge fund is of the opinion that Pfizer, which is currently being managed by Albert Bourla, who succeeded Read as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019, does not demonstrate the same level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) discipline that Read did. Bourla took over for Read in 2019. Read was succeeded by Bourla in the year 2019.

Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical conglomerate, has made substantial investments in the acquisition of more companies that are involved in the research and development of cancer medicines.

These businesses have been acquired for billions of dollars. The biotechnology company Seagen, which was acquired by Pfizer in the previous year for a price of $43 billion, is included in this category. One of the businesses that can be classified as belonging to this category is Seagen.

In spite of the fact that the S&P 500 Index experienced a 21% increase in 2024.

No major trading occurred in Pfizer stock that year.

Due to the fact that the demand for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines fell after the firm reached its pandemic peak in 2021, the share price of the corporation has decreased by over fifty percent since that time.

This drop has occurred ever since the company’s shares reached their maximum peak, which was during the time that this decline occurred. Not only have they not changed at all, but they have also remained essentially stable. This is in contrast to the S&P 500, which has gained 21% since the beginning of this year.

Recently, the corporation was forced to take a hit when it decided to recall all of the sickle cell illness medications that it had distributed all over the world.

Fears that the prescription could lead patients to experience severe agony and possibly even death were the impetus for the decision to recall the product. In spite of the fact that Pfizer’s stock is increasing by almost three percent as a result of the news that followed the company’s decision, this is the circumstance that has come about.

SOURCE: IPN

Health

New Study Reveals Drinking Soda Pop Increases the Risk of Stroke

If you drink too much soda, fruit juice and coffee, beware!

A recent report from global research indicates that excessive consumption of coffee or soda pop is associated with an increased risk of stroke, although the intake of black and green tea is correlated with a reduced risk. Excessive consumption of soda pop or coffee warrants caution!

Recent research indicates that it may substantially elevate the risk of stroke.

Consuming four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke, according to studies, although ingesting 3-4 cups of black or green tea daily typically offers protection against stroke. Additionally, consume more coffee; it may reduce your risk of mortality.

Recent findings from global research studies co-led by the University of Galway and McMaster University, alongside an international consortium of stroke researchers, indicate that soda, encompassing both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened variants such as diet or zero sugar, is associated with a 22 percent heightened risk of stroke. The risk escalated significantly with the consumption of two or more of these beverages daily.

Stroke Risk Fizzy Drinks and Soda Pop

The correlation between fizzy drinks consumption and stroke risk was most pronounced in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Women exhibit the most elevated risk of stroke from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) associated with fruit juice beverages. Consuming over 7 cups of water daily diminishes the likelihood of stroke due to a clot.

Researchers observed that numerous items advertised as fruit juice are derived from concentrates and have added sugars and preservatives, potentially negating the advantages often associated with fresh fruit and instead elevating stroke risk.

Fruit juice beverages were associated with a 37 percent heightened risk of stroke resulting from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage). Consuming two of these beverages daily increases the risk thrice.

Consuming over four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke by 37 percent, although lower consumption levels do not correlate with stroke risk. Conversely, tea consumption was associated with an 18-20 percent reduction in stroke risk. Additionally, consuming 3-4 cups daily of black tea, such as Breakfast and Earl Grey varieties, excluding green and herbal teas, was associated with a 29 percent reduced risk of stroke.

Consuming 3-4 cups of green tea daily was associated with a 27 percent reduction in stroke risk. Notably, the addition of milk may diminish or inhibit the advantageous effects of antioxidants present in tea. The lower risk of stroke associated with tea consumption was negated for individuals who added milk.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational reasons and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical counsel. Consistently consult your physician regarding any inquiries pertaining to a medical problem.

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Health

Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer, What Else Should You Know?

(VOR News) – Even though breast cancer affects one in eight American women, receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel isolated.

Experts in breast cancer from the American College of Physicians (ACS) advise patients on how to manage their disease so that they may better cope with this awful information.

First, the kind and stage of breast cancer dictates the course of your care.

In addition to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, there are various surgical options available for the treatment of breast cancer.

Women of African descent are disproportionately affected by triple-negative breast cancer, an extremely aggressive form of the disease that has never proven easy to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy, has been shown to be helpful when combined with chemotherapy and is currently the recommended course of treatment for certain combinations of triple-negative breast cancer.

In her presentation, Dr. Katharine Yao said, “It’s really important that the patient and physician discuss the patient’s preferences and values when deciding what type of treatment to pursue and that they have an honest, individualized discussion with their care team.”

She is currently responsible for developing breast cancer treatment recommendations for more than 575 hospitals and institutions nationwide in her role as chair of the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Institutions (NAPBC).

Yao, vice chair of research at Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals in New York, pointed out that each decision made about a patient’s treatment plan should take her preferences and diagnosis into consideration.

She ought to think about whether she would prefer a mastectomy—a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast with or without reconstruction—or a lumpectomy, which involves a surgical procedure that spares part of the breast tissue.

She stated that “the breast cancer you have may be very different from the breast cancer you hear about in your neighbor, colleague, or friend” in a press release issued by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“Consider that while discussing breast cancer with others.”

Throughout your journey, it is critical that you look after your emotional health because having breast cancer may have a detrimental impact on your mental health.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis does not mean that everything in your life stops to be normal.” Director of the Fellowship in the Diseases of the Breast program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas and state head of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer for Arkansas, Dr. Daniela Ochoa She thinks adding the burden of a cancer diagnosis and treatment to all the other pressures in life may be taxing.

“Managing stress and emotional health is vital component of a treatment plan.”

Ochoa recommends clinically trained psychologists and social workers who have assisted people in coping with cancer to anyone receiving treatment. Learning coping techniques might also be facilitated by joining cancer support groups or cancer wellness initiatives.

Breast cancer specialists say your care team is crucial.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines comprehensive care as having support at every stage of the procedure from surgeons, oncologists, patient navigators, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists.

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, women should see a surgeon or medical oncologist to explore their options; nevertheless, treatment shouldn’t be discontinued after just one appointment or after surgery is over.

Additionally, you can ask trustworthy friends or family members to accompany you to appointments and aid you with research or notes. They could serve as a network of support for you.

Yao stated in his talk that “one of the most important things is that patients should search out a team they have confidence in, that they trust will have their back when they need it, and a team they feel they can get access to and that will help them when they are in need.”

SOURCE: MP