Despite the efforts of medical experts to inform the public about dieting, a great deal of misinformation remains. One persistent myth is that it's almost impossible to lose weight and keep it off. However, recent research indicates that some dieters are able to maintain their target weight for long periods of time. These successful dieters are being studied so doctors can learn which methods tend to promote long-term weight loss. Another misconception is that people who are overweight simply lack willpower. In truth, weight problems usually involve a complex mixture of genetic, metabolic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors. Poor food choices and lack of exercise are also to blame. Some myths involve fad diets that are falsely named after prestigious organizations in order to make them seem legitimate, when in fact, the organizations have no affiliations at all. Still other myths are that carbohydrates alone make you fat, that dairy products must be avoided by dieters, and that fat-free foods won't cause weight gain. In truth, any food can make you gain weight if you eat too much of it.
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