Obesity Myths

The Atkins diet is a famous fad diet known for creating a low-carb, high-protein meal plan. The theory behind the diet is to limit the carbs that build up into extra fat, forcing the body to burn the carbohydrates it stores without replenishing the carbs it uses. While the diet allows the body to use up the stored carbs quickly—carbs are the first to be burned—it also runs the risk of spiking high cholesterol. While a certain amount of fat is important in the diet, eating a diet high in fat and protein, such as eggs, cheese, rich meats, can lead to heart health issues. Additionally, fruits, vegetables, and even milk are on the banned list, limiting the variety of food, and forcing the dieter to find all the required nutritional value from other sources, such as vitamin supplements. I would not recommend it, because of the risk of heart issues, and because of the harsh restrictions; beginning to eat carbs again puts the weight right back on.

Myth: Competing for the title of “Biggest Loser” is helpful for encouraging weight loss. This is because competition can encourage and inspire obese people to push their weight down as far as possible. In reality, the emphasis on sexualizing weight loss to increase attractiveness can push dieters into dropping weight far more quickly than what is healthy—one or two pounds a week—following the spirit of competition that would create a sense of disappointment at losing the game. This concept of competitive eating is taken to the extreme with the reality television shows, which force competitors to drop pounds in double-digits in a week, and in ways that push their bodies to the extreme, since they are unused to the regiments enforced by the show. The attitude of pressure in this competition can be worse than the weight alone.

Work Cited

Pappas, Stephanie. "'The Biggest Loser' Has Big Problems, Health Experts Say." LiveScience.com. N.p., 21 Feb. 2010. Web. 28 Oct. 2013. <http://www.livescience.com/9820-biggest-loser-big-problems-health-experts.html