Weight Loss Misconceptions: Factors Beyond Diet & Exercise

Few health topics get more oversimplified than weight gain and weight loss. Poor diet and lack of exercise take the brunt of the blame — and while these can of course contribute to weight gain or sabotage weight loss, the reality is far more complex. In this episode, we unpack the assortment of factors that influence weight — from metabolism and genetics to mood and sleep. We also challenge conventional wisdom around weight loss goals and discuss why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for most people.

Expert: Kimberly Gallien, Licensed Social Worker, Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery

Notable topics covered:

• Think weight loss is just about losing weight? Think again.
• The myth of “just get off the couch” — why it’s not that simple
• How focusing on an end-goal weight can actually derail weight loss
• Why “planning power” is for more effective than willpower
• The importance of consistent micro-adjustments to your routine
• Movement vs. exercise — and why both matter
• When BMI is helpful and when it’s not
• Why a healthy weight range is more realistic than a single number
• Weight management strategies should evolve over time
• Taking action: Making the shift from knowing to doing
• Embracing the idea that health is a journey, not a destination

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