CBS News/ April 13, 2012, 11:54 AM

Why calories count: 10 common myths busted

1/
2/
3/
4/
5/
6/
7/
8/
9/
10/
11/
More
Prev/ Next

1. Myth: Obesity epidemic caused by Americans being more inactive and less likely to burn calories

Flickr/Glory Foods

There's no compelling evidence that people are less active now than they were 30 years ago, according to Nestle and Nesheim. Some evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even suggests that people are slightly more active. The CDC studies looked at self-reported activity and inactivity levels, so either way, it's difficult to assess the reliability of that information.

Then what's fueling America's obesity problem? Plenty of evidence indicates that people are eating more than ever before. Larger portions contain more calories. Just look at muffins, for example. They used to be the size of what are now considered mini-muffins. Those were about 200 calories a piece, but typical muffins today can be three times larger and contain up to 600 calories.

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
vielmann says:: This is the most ridiculous book I have ever seen. Some "myths" I've never heard of before. Whoever says that calories in alcohol don't count? Give me a break. And, on this very site, study after study is quoted alleging that frequent and smaller meals do indeed contribute to weight loss and help keep people thin. Finally, the BS about breakfast - they merely dismiss the studies about eating breakfast. The truth is that people DO overcompensate when they skip meals. Oh, and to dismiss the fact that our automatic society hasn't decreased our activity levels is ludicrous. I suggest the authors of this book move to a country where they have to handwash everything and walk to most destinations and then get back to us about how they got fat. So stupid.; reply

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
foo8259 says:: "According to the local paper they coined this phrase of SOBS for Scum on bicycles. They think you are a criminal or parolee in this town if you ride a bicycle." -- ludvig1-2009 Know what you mean, I bike about 1/2 a mile 1/4 of that on a public road just to save gas when checking my Rural mailbox. I have had jokers shout "get off the road" or blow their horns at me -- but the worst is at night, they bright you with their high beams! I have been tempted to pull my 60mw 'Light Sabre.' Bikes have the same right of way as cars or pedestrians. Ask any cop? BTW: my FBS is always 88 and my A1c is less than 4 on a very low-carb "Paleo" type of diet. Exercising to lose weight is an exercise in frustration -- it just makes you more hungry.; reply

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
ludvig1-2009 says:: I used to be able to burn 1000 calories in an hour on the stairmaster, but since the gym was more interested in making money than the well being of their customers, I now do my exercise by walking and riding my bicycle and it takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes to get that 1000 calories of exercise a day in. I originally weighed 260.9. I now weigh 230.1 for my 6 ft. 2 1/2 inch frame. I started exercising when the blood sugar jumped from a high normal range 99 to 113, halfway to 126 diabetes and the doc gave me a warning. I lost 20 lbs. in 20 days after he scared me with that warning by doing 1000 calories a day of exercise and limiting myself to 2000 calories of food. I now count calories to maintain weight and exercise. Blood sugar is back in normal range, at least the last physical a year ago it was. The bad part of exercising outside are the cops. According to the local paper they coined this phrase of SOBS for Scum on bicycles. They think you are a criminal or parolee in this town if you ride a bicycle. I've been harassed by those idiots several times and I'm a retired nuclear engineer and 14 gallon blood donor.; reply

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
lillyhorton says:: You could start with cooking your own meals rather than going out to eat every week.; reply

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
foo8259 says:: If "calories count" you're counting the wrong kinds of calories! From what I have been seeing in mainstream media "nutritionist" and "expert" are two words that don't belong in the same sentence. "crossfit" is close to being right IMO, but even that plan has problems. I do an low-carb high-fat version of Atkins, I don't count calories -- only carbs. I used to weigh 236 now I am down to 175, health and bloodwork have never been better. I seldom exercise.; reply

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
robertzbaker says:: Enjoy free samples of the newest brands and latest products, search online for "Official Samples" you do not need CC.; reply

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
flexsf says:: 1. Try to stop eating before you feel full! 15 minutes after you floss and brush teeth you'll feel full.
2. Floss and brush teeth after eating anything!
3. Drink water all day long.
4. Consume at least 1 cup of cooked legumes (can be scooped up with a few corn chips) every day.
5. Eat lots of steamed spinach or broccoli before your biggest meal. (drink with water)
6. (Repeat) Floss and brush teeth after eating anything!
7. Join a commercial gym and exercise your body.
8. Enroll in at least 1 college class per semester.; reply