Debunking common weight loss myths among women: Is menstruation really more effective?

Is it really more effective to lose weight during your period?

Here, I'll briefly discuss weight loss during menstruation.

If I hadn't written this book, I wouldn't have known so many women actually believe in weight loss during their periods and actually stick to it.

The argument for this approach is that women's body temperature is lower during menstruation, making it easier to lose weight quickly. It even has a method: The first 7 days of menstruation are a "weight loss bonus period," when weight is highest, so eating more is fine; the last 7 days after menstruation are the most effective time to focus on weight loss;

From days 8 to 14 after menstruation, while the effects aren't as noticeable as in the previous stages, you should still intensify your efforts by eating more fiber-rich foods;

From days 15 to 21 after menstruation, weight loss is the slowest.

Many women who have tried this have also found that intensifying weight loss efforts during menstruation can indeed lead to significant weight loss.

This entire theory and method seems logically sound, but its conclusions are flawed. It's true that during menstruation, due to the secretion of the corpus luteum, a woman's body temperature drops, which supposedly reduces the accumulation of body fat.

The problem is, this temperature drop doesn't last as long as many people imagine. It only lasts a day or two. After that day or two, the body returns to normal. The approach of continuing this for so many days is simply wishful thinking. In fact, during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, a woman's body temperature also drops, and for a much longer period. So does this mean that weight loss is most effective during pregnancy? Of course not!

Of course, many people find that weight loss during menstruation seems very effective, and superficially, this is indeed the case. But the main reason for this is not related to fat, but rather to water retention.

As this theory states, the body secretes hormones during ovulation, and these hormones cause fluid retention, increasing the amount of water retained by about 1-3 liters. This is why women often find that their weight tends to peak before their period. The subsequent weight loss is easy to understand; it's not fat that's being lost, but water.

That said, menstruation is a special time unique to women, and most women are physically weaker during this period. If you're trying to lose weight during your period, you should pay special attention to the following points:

First, never engage in drastic dieting during your period. Not only should you not diet, but you should also eat a little more than usual to cope with your weakened body. At least eat more blood-nourishing foods.

Second, adjust your exercise level according to your specific physical condition during your period. If you are too weak, you should temporarily stop jogging, brisk walking, etc.

During this special period, the key to weight loss is not to rush into it just because you think it's a good time. Instead, you should be aware that your body is not in the same condition as usual, so take it easy, eat a little more and move less, give your weight loss a short break, and allow your body to transition smoothly. After your period is over, you can resume your usual weight loss plan. This is the safest approach.