Weight control quiz

How much do you know about weight control? Try answering the following true-or-false quiz. You may be surprised at how much you know.

#1. Everyone has an ideal body weight.

True! Everyone does have an ideal body weight, but you cannot just look at a chart and know what it is. You have to consider how tall you are, how big your bones are, how much muscle or fat you have, and your family history. Ask your healthcare provider to help you define your ideal body weight and develop a plan to reach and maintain it.

#2. Dieting usually results in permanent weight loss.

False! You probably answered this correctly if you have ever tried to diet. Most dieting does NOT result in permanent weight loss. The only factors that help keep off the pounds are permanent life- style changes.

#3. Weight loss can be achieved through exercise.

True! You really can lose weight if you start to exercise. Remember, most people may initially gain some weight, but lose inches. This is because muscle weighs more than fat. In the long run, exercise will help you lose not only inches, but also pounds.

#4. Back and forth dieting is a good way to lose weight.

False! In fact, most people who go on and off diets, after 10 years, weigh more than when they started to diet.

#5. New medications can help keep the weight off.

False! No medication has been identified to keep the weight off permanently. In addition, all medications can have potentially serious side effects. It is better to try to lose weight without medicines. This includes diet pills.

#6. We should all look like the models.

False! Models tend to be 20 percent thinner than ideal body weight, making them much thinner than the average person in the United States. While people who appear in advertising may be attractive, their appearances may not be realistic. Remember, to stay healthy, set a realistic goal for weight and work with your healthcare provider to achieve this goal. Long-term success can and does occur, but it is a slow process.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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