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Unit 35　　Weight Loss Myths　　Dieting and weight loss is a subject filled with myths, half-truths and inaccuracies. Here are some of the more common fallacies about losing weight.　　Myth 1. Being Overweight is Unhealthy: Being overweight may be unfashionable but its not necessarily unhealthy. Indeed there is evidence that people who are up to 15 pounds overweight actually live longer than those of normal weight. it is only when we become seriously overweight or obese that our health begins to suffer. Another important factor is where we carry our excess weight. For example, an obese man who carries his excess weight around his middle is more vulnerable to disease than an obese man whose excess weight is distributed more widely.　　Myth 2. Losing Weight Means eating Small Portions: We are all brainwashed into thinking that losing weight or dieting means eating tiny portions. But its not true, because some foods contain a lot more calories than others. For example, one small pastry can be higher in calories than a whole plateful of chicken, potatoes and vegetables. Losing weight means eating fewer calories than we need. However, by choosing foods which are low in calories (and taking regular exercise) we can often lose weight WITHOUT eating less. In fact, sometimes we can actually eat MORE.　　Myth 3. We can Lose Weight From Specific Parts of Our Body: Nonsense. When we start a weight loss plan, our body burns fat from all available fat stores, not just from particular parts. We cannot control this process. If a diet claims to help you lose weight from your thighs only, dont believe it!　　Myth 4. Some People Are Fat Even Though They Eat Next to Nothing: Each of us uses up calories at a slightly different rate, according to our metabolic rate. Also, certain foods are very calorie-dense. So even though we eat like a sparrow, we can still weigh like a hippo! Also, studies suggest that when we are overweight we tend to underestimate our calorie intake. Unless we are in a sp