It is clear from most research on overweight that health risks increase as weight increases. However, it is also clear that there are increasing risks when weight falls below a healthy weight range. Many myths exist in our society surrounding fat.
Many people believe that overeating is the cause of overweight.
While overeating may have contributed to gaining weight at one time, overeating is not necessary in order to maintain a higher weight level, once reached. A second widely held myth is that dieting works. Dieting here refers to calorie restriction for the purpose of weight loss. In the last ten years, researchers have looked critically at the weight loss results. They have found dismal results.