Truth or Myth?: 5 Diet Tips Demystified

"Your Metabolism Makes You Fat."

Truth!: Your thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck right below the Adam's apple, pumps out hormones that control metabolism throughout the body. But sometimes a medical condition called hypothyroidism occurs, which can slow down production of these hormones. As a result, the digestive process in your gut slows down, causing bloating and weight gain. However, hypothyroidism impacts only about 5 percent of the population. Consuming too many calories, not exercising enough, genetics, family history and unhealthy habits, such as skipping breakfast and not getting enough sleep, are the reasons behind most weight gain. In addition to unexplained weight gain, other symptoms of hypothyroidism include dry skin, daily fatigue and coarse or brittle hair. If you suspect you may have hypothyroidism, ask your doctor to check by performing a simple blood test.