Common Myths About Weight Gain: What You Need To Know

Weight gain is often surrounded by a variety of misconceptions that can lead to confusion and frustration. From myths about metabolism to oversimplified ideas about calorie consumption, many beliefs about weight gain are misleading. Understanding the truth behind these myths is crucial for making informed decisions about diet, exercise, and overall health. In this article, we will debunk some of the most common myths about weight gain and provide a clearer, evidence-based perspective on how weight management truly works.

1. Myth: All Fats Cause Weight Gain

Fat is often misunderstood in nutrition, with many people avoiding all fats due to fears of weight gain. However, not all fats are created equal. Trans fats and highly processed fats can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease, but healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are beneficial for overall health.

In Ayurveda, healthy fats play a significant role in balancing the doshas and promoting overall well-being. Healthy fats can also promote satiety, which can help regulate appetite and prevent overeating. The key to managing weight is consuming fats in moderation and choosing the right kinds of fats for a balanced diet.

2. Myth: Exercise Alone Can Solve Weight Gain

It is widely considered that exercise is the key to weight gain. Although physical activity is important for health, it is not the only factor impacting weight gain. Exercise can burn calories and build muscle, but if the diet and lifestyle behaviours do not match up with the fitness goals, weight gain might be challenging.

Weight gain as per Ayurveda is usually conceptualised as the derangement of the three doshas, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. A disorder in the Kapha Dosha, which controls metabolism and structure, causes polluted and sluggard digestion, resulting in putting up a lot of excess weight. Accompanied by workouts, Ayurveda suggests eating carefully and managing stress with sleep to holistic approaches for the management of weight besides herbal supplements, which provide metabolic support.

3. Myth: Weight Gain Is Always Due to Poor Lifestyle Choices

Although unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, and stress are heavy contributors to excess weight gain, it should not be ignored that this can be attributed to other causes, including genetics, hormonal excess, or certain medical conditions. For example, disorders such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and insulin resistance can add to obesity resistance and make it harder to lose weight.

In Ayurveda, obesity is considered an outcome of imbalances in the doshas, the secondary causes of which may involve stress, inappropriate dietary habits, or environmental factors. According to Ayurveda, restoration of equilibrium in the body is achieved by using whole herbs, e.g., triphala, guggulu, and garcinia cambogia that are used to assist digestion, improve metabolising physiology, and reduce fat.

4. Myth: Carbs Always Lead to Weight Gain

The myth that "carbs always lead to weight gain" is misleading. Weight gain occurs when there is a calorie surplus, regardless of the macronutrient source. Carbohydrates, like protein and fat, provide essential energy and nutrients. The key is to choose healthy, whole-food carbs such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are rich in fibre and help regulate hunger. Not all carbs are the same; simple, refined carbs can lead to blood sugar spikes, while complex carbs are digested slowly, promoting satiety. Overeating macronutrients can lead to weight gain, but carbs in the proper amounts are an important part of a balanced diet and do not inherently cause weight gain.

When it comes to weight gain, understanding the truth behind common myths is essential for making informed decisions about your health. Rather than focusing on quick fixes or extreme diets, Ayurveda advocates for a balanced, holistic approach that nurtures the body and mind. By making mindful food choices, adopting healthy lifestyle practices, and using natural Ayurvedic supplements, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight in a way that supports your long-term well-being.

Astha Jain

Guest Author Co-founder of AYUVYA