If you tell people you recently started a weight loss program, you may notice that everyone has an opinion, and none of them are the same. Thanks to the internet, information has never been more accessible than it is today. Unfortunately, that also means many people think they are experts on subjects of which they know very little. 

If you’re not sure what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to weight loss, turn to a physician at Carolina Doctors Med Care in Sanford, North Carolina, and see what doctors say about dieting:

3 Common Weight Loss Myths Debunked by Your Physician

1. Abdominal Exercises Can Help You Lose Belly Fat

Although you can target certain muscles in the body when you work out, you can’t target fat. There is no way to “spot treat” fat on your body. If you want to trim down all over, cardio will help, and if you want to tone up, weight training is an effective approach.

2. Snacking Is Bad

There is a difference between snacking when you’re hungry and mindlessly munching. You don’t have to avoid snacking if you’re trying to lose weight, but you should make an active effort to snack smart. That means using it as a way to incorporate more produce in your diet, not as a way to fill up on junk food in between meals.

3. Carbs Contribute to Weight Gain

While it is true that an excessive amount of anything will contribute to weight gain, it is not true that you should cut carbs out of your diet entirely. Refined carbs are empty calories because they provide lots of calories with few nutrients.  Some examples of these carbohydrates are candy, sweetened fruit juice, rolls, bread, cake, cookies, white rice, and potato chips. Some examples of "whole" or good carbs are certain foods eaten in their "clean" or unrefined state, such as corn, peas, potatoes, oatmeal, and beans.

If you want to lose weight, you should talk to a physician before starting a new exercise or diet plan. Turn to Carolina Doctors Med Care in Sanford, North Carolina, to discuss your ultimate health and fitness goals with a knowledgeable provider. Check out the practice online to learn more about the diabetes management they provide, and call (919) 774-3680 to make an appointment today.