5 weight loss myths you should stop believing
Embrace the facts and learn to lose weight in a healthy way.
Feb, 2026






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Anyone who has tried to lose weight can tell you: There’s no simple solution for shedding pounds. But drastic steps, like eliminating whole food groups, aren’t a healthy way to lose weight. They’re also not a good way to maintain a healthy weight over time.
“These quick, instant-gratification myths sometimes result in modest weight loss in the short term, but they're not sustainable or effective in the long-term,” says Tammy Baranowski, MS, RDN, a Registered Dietitian in Orange Park, Florida.
These misconceptions could also fuel weight-loss frustration and may even be harmful to your health. So, it’s time to separate fact from fiction, debunk common weight-loss myths, and learn effective and healthy ways to lose weight.
Written byTaylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed byAnn Wendling, MD, MPH.