Here we take a peak at some of the most common weight loss myths we hear on a day to day basis.

These "myths" get thrown around from person to person and can really set you back with your weight loss goals!

As we know, there is a lot of free advice in social media these days and if it is taken seriously, can really set you back on your weight loss endeavors.

This can lead to the kind of frustration that demotivates 90% of us!

Have a look at these weight loss myths and come to your own conclusions.

1 - More exercise is better

When it comes to exercise, more is not always better. It depends on what the goal you're trying to reach. There is a level and frequency required to achieve results.

When this level is reached, additional exercise can have the opposite effect, not allowing the body to recuperate and adapt to the stress induced by the exercise, which can be majorly detrimental to your results.

2 - If you’re not sweating, you’re not working hard enough

Sweating is simply the body cooling itself down. Many factors can contribute to your body temperature for example - room temperature, type of exercise, body-fat levels, clothing, and exercise intensity etc.

The intensity for each exercise can't be judged by the amount you sweat. A more experienced person will often sweat a lot because their body can regulate heat more efficiently.

3 - Exercise on an empty stomach and burn more fat

Weight loss is inevitably about the total amount of calories burned during the day, not how they were burned so it technically doesn't matter if it is night or morning. 

Studies show that increased metabolism induced by anaerobic exercise is actually less after a large meal. This means that more energy is being used for digestion than what is being used to repair muscle.

4 - Taking sugar before exercise to raise energy levels

Ingestion of sugar will lead to a rise in blood sugar levels. This rapid rise releases insulin, which quickly removes the excess sugar from the blood system, often causing your blood sugar levels to drop and this can lead to faster exhaustion. 

5 - Fat-free, I can have as much as I want

Unfortunately fat-free doesn't mean calorie free. The word fat-free is misleading, if you overeat on anything, even fat-free foods and you don't burn off those calories, your body will store the excess as fat. 

6 - Don't drink water when you exercise or you will get cramps

It would take litres of icy cold water in one go while exercising for you to probably suffer from cramps. This is why it is important to drink water continuously before, during and after exercising to replace the fluid you've lost and avoid any discomfort.

7 - Gaining weight is a part of getting older

This is not an excuse for gaining weight!

As we age and begin a sedentary lifestyle we lose muscle mass.

The efficiency of your metabolism is directly linked to the amount of muscle mass you have on your body. The best way of maintaining your body's muscle mass and keeping your metabolism from dropping is by doing a high-intensity strength training workout once a week.

8 - No personal trainer, No gains

Following a good exercise program and eating plan does not require someone standing over you and telling you how to do it.

A personal trainer is one way to reach your goals, but you are an adult capable of making your own decisions and setting your own goals once you have the knowledge of how to go about it. 

Do your research!

9 - By exercising my abs I will lose my beer belly

Exercising your abs will help to tone and firm the abdominal region, but it will not reduce fat deposits that are responsible for the beer belly. Fat reduction comes from being in a calorie deficit.