5 Myths About Running, Calories and Weight Loss

Despite their apparent leanness, too many runners are discontent with their body fat. All too often, I hear seemingly lean marathoners express extreme frustration with their inability to lose undesired bumps and bulges:

Am I the only runner who has ever gained weight when training for a marathon?

Why does my husband lose weight when he starts running and I don't?

For all the exercise I do, I should be pencil-thin. Why can't I simply lose a few pounds?

Clearly, weight loss is not simple and often includes debunking a few myths. Perhaps this article will offer some insights that will lead to success with your weight loss efforts.

More: 5 Weight-Loss Myths Debunked

Myth: You must exercise in order to lose body fat.

To lose body fat, you must create a calorie deficit. You can create that deficit by:

• Exercising, which improves your overall health and fitness, or
• Eating fewer calories.

Even injured runners can lose fat, despite a lack of exercise. The complaint "I gained weight when I was injured because I couldn't run" could more correctly be stated "I gained weight because I mindlessly overate for comfort and fun."

More: Injured Runners: How to Eat to Recover Fast