4 weight-loss myths to leave behind in 2026

1 min Read
Fitness, Person, Sport

Each new year brings fresh goals—and plenty of old myths about how to lose weight. Let’s bust a few of the biggest ones standing in the way of real, lasting progress.

Myth #1: The less you eat, the more you lose

Cutting calories too drastically might seem like a shortcut to success, but your body responds by slowing your metabolism and increasing hunger hormones, which makes weight loss harder, not easier.

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💡 The best approach is to create a small calorie deficit and stick to it over time.

Myth #2: Exercise alone can help you lose weight

Exercise has incredible health benefits—better mood, stronger heart, more energy—but it rarely leads to lasting weight loss on its own.

💡 Instead, research shows that exercise can be most helpful at improving body composition and maintaining weight loss.

Myth #3: Weight loss boils down to calories in vs. calories out

Yes, calories matter… but biology, hormones, stress, and sleep all play a role in how your body uses them. That’s why two people can follow the exact same eating and exercise plan and see different results.

💡 Focusing on all aspects of your health is key to losing weight.

Myth #4: Using meds to lose weight is ‘cheating’

Taking weight-loss meds like GLP-1s isn’t a shortcut—it’s science. GLP-1 meds help regulate appetite and balance hormones, making it easier to build healthy habits and lose more weight.

💡 Meds are tools, not shortcuts. Real success still comes from pairing them with behavior change.

For extra support and accountability to build momentum and achieve your health goals, start a Noom program today.

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At Noom, we’re committed to providing health information that’s grounded in reliable science and expert review. Our content is created with the support of qualified professionals and based on well-established research from trusted medical and scientific organizations. Learn more about the experts behind our content on our Health Expert Team page.

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