Related to Diet Myths
Q: Some people eat exceedingly much but are not fat. Are they ill?
A: The relationship between one's body figure and food consumption is affected by many factors, such as genetics, health conditions, developmental age, amount of exercises, type of food, etc. There is no single formula on it. If you want to know whether you are suffering from Bulimia Nervosa (BN), you should take note of whether your mood is affected by food, or you may go for a clinical assessment.
Q: Can weight be reduced by self-induced vomiting?
A: Although self-induced vomiting can help reduce food intake, it gives rise to many serious complications. In the course of vomiting, not only food but also stomach acid and electrolytes will be ejected. The stomach acid will cause a loss of dental enamel and thus tooth decay. The loss of electrolytes will add to the burden of the heart and cause a swelling of the parotid glands.
Q: How about the Atkin’s Diet (High Protein Diets)?
A: Eating meat alone will lead to deficiencies in carbohydrates and sugar thus reducing the blood sugar. Due to the low level of energy, body then burn fat in order to enable metabolism, thus reducing body weight. However, the reduction in blood sugar in the long term leads to complications such as an imbalance in electrolytes, dry skin, hair loss, nausea, dehydration, and even death in serious circumstances.
Q: How about Apples or Fruits Diets?
A: Each apple provides 40 kcal. A diet with apples only will produce very low calories intake and reduction in fat accumulation. However, as the amount of energy is too low, using this diet method in the long run may cause malnutrition - deficiencies in protein and minerals will cause a loss of elasticity in the skin as well as brittleness and loss of luster in nails and hair.
Q: Will skipping breakfast reduce absorption?
A: After a night's sleep, all the food will have been digested and body will start to be lack of energy and nutrients. Skipping breakfast will not only cause a loss of vitality but also reduce the rate of metabolism, thus increasing the accumulation of fat in the later food consumption. Besides, the suppression of food intake in the morning may cause overeat at lunch and dinner for physically and psychologically compensation. In fact, food assumptions before noon is the easiest to be digested and the chance of fat accumulation is the lowest.
Q: Can taking sauna frequently reduce weight?
A: Actually, taking sauna can only temporarily reduce the amount of water inside the body through perspiration; the weight lost will be regained very soon after drinking water. Besides, the duration of taking sauna should not exceed 15 minutes on any one occasion; otherwise there will be an excessive dilation of blood vessels, risky for those with hypertension or heart diseases.
Q: Will it help to reduce weight by removing body toxins?
A: Many detoxicating products in the market actually only act as mild laxatives, working to excrete the water and electrolytes, but not fat. The lost water may be restored after drinking water. In addition, long-term use of such products may cause complications such as gastrointestinal malfunctions, diarrhea, dry mouth, tiredness and dehydration.
Q: Can fat be removed by massaging or pinching?
A: Massaging or pinching the body as a way to reduce fat is explained by an attempt to constrict body fat in order to achieve the purpose of slimming. However, there is no medical evidence prove that body fat can be reduced or decomposed by massaging or pinching. Besides, improper massaging will damage muscles and body tissues.
Q: Does slimming require staying away from carbohydrates?
A: While avoiding food of grains such as rice and noodles will reduce energy, it will at the same time cause lack of energy for normal body functioning, resulting in tiredness and loss of vitality, thus seriously affecting one's daily life. Many people think that decrease the consumption of rice and eat other food instead may help lose weight. However, the amount of fat or oil contained in other food may in fact far exceed that contained in rice.
Q: How about speedy weight reduction or slimming?
A: According to dietitians, the most ideal speed of weight reduction is one to two pounds each week. If it is too fast for the body to adjust, the weight may rebound or even exceed its original level. This will cause the "yo-yo effect", meaning a fluctuation in weight, which will increase the risk of heart diseases.