Is your budget making it hard to lose weight?

Researchers from Concordia University found that people who struggle financially may also struggle to lose weight.

As it turns out, low-income earners are less likely battle the bulge through exercise, drinking water, or reducing fat or sweets, in comparison to those in the highest income bracket.

"The message of how to lose weight according to national guidelines may not resonate with those who struggle to pay their bills," says Lisa Kakinami, a researcher with Concordia University's PERFORM Centre and the lead author on the study.

1. Poor weight loss idea: Popping diet pills

Rather than changing their dietary and exercise habits for the better, lower-income individuals are more inclined to pop diet pills - which may be counterproductive in the long run. And surprisingly, even the strategies that are essentially free hold little appeal as an alternative approach.

"Certain methods can be pursued no matter where you are, but the inclination to reduce fat or sweets, exercise or drink more water was lesser in lower-income households compared to the highest-income households," says Kakinami, who is also a professor in Concordia's Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

2. Poor weight loss idea: Seeking instant results

Despite a decent awareness level by the study's participants about these basic weight-loss tactics, following them remains a different matter for those hovering around or below the poverty line.

Rather, there is preference for methods that provide the feeling of instant results - which end up being harmful in the long run.

3. Poor weight loss idea: Skipping meals and exercise

According to the research, younger people raised in poorer households were more likely to fast or skip meals instead of exercising, than young people from the highest income households.

Poor weight loss ideas don’t work

The findings, derived from data gathered from the over 8,800 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study, point to an ongoing message gap, as the widespread pursuit of the quickest possible fix has done nothing to reduce obesity levels.

Are you falling for poor weight loss ideas?

If you are, regardless of your budget, there are simple and cost-effective things you can do to boost long-term weight loss success.

Start by ditching the diet pills. Instead, eat the healthiest meals you can afford (no skipping) and make sure you exercise most days of the week. Remember, you don’t need an expensive gym membership to get toned and trim! Start walking – it’s one of the healthiest and free forms of exercise – and visit our Fitness section for free workouts.

Recommended reading: How Samantha Clayton lost over 30 kilograms

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