General wellnessNutritionWeight loss

5 weight loss myths you should stop believing

Embrace the facts and learn to lose weight in a healthy way.

Feb, 2026
LearnWeight loss5 weight loss myths you should stop believing
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MYTH: You should avoid fat to lose weight
MYTH: Low-carb diets are best for weight loss
MYTH: All calories are created equal
MYTH: Go gluten-free to lose weight
MYTH: You can’t eat your favorite foods

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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.February, 2024

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