Health Myths

I was recently asked to write about Health Myths. This was my response:

Myth: I have to join a gym and go on a rigid diet plan to lose weight. The truth is that people do not need to go to extremes to improve their health. They do need to be more physically active and eat a healthy diet to lose weight. Increasing your physical activity can be as simple as walking additional steps everyday. You can calculate your step per day by purchasing an inexpensive pedometer. Track your steps at Walk NJ Point-to-Point at www.getmovinggethealthynj.rutgers.edu.

Myth: Eating a few extra calories per day can’t make me gain weight. The truth is that as little as 150 extra calories (equivalent to a granola bar) per day can cause some people to gain up to 10 pounds in a year. Use the food intake calculator at www.mypyramid.gov for feedback on the amount of food and nutrients you are consuming.

Myth: To lose weight I have to starve myself.
The truth is that the best way to lose weight is to consume a variety that includes fresh fruit and vegetables (between 5 and 9 1/2 cup servings) everyday, choose 3-4 ounces of lean meat that is baked grilled, or broiled, and choose whole grain cereals and breads. Stay away from foods that are high in sugar, fat, and sodium. Drink water instead of sweetened drinks. Information about dietary guidelines can be found at www.mypyramid.gov.

Myth: If children are overweight today they will outgrow it by the time they are adults.
The truth is overweight children often become overweight adults. Children at young ages now have illnesses once thought to occur only in adults, such as type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol and blood pressure, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The mental health consequences for overweight children are far reaching including issues of depression, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Overweight youth are often socially excluded by their peers and thus remain isolated. Additional information can be found at www.njaes.rutgers.edu.