Are You Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Efforts Without Realizing It?
The Availability Bias And How to Avoid It
Takeaway: People tend to rely on information that is easily accessible or readily available. This plays a role in health behaviors via influence of food advertising, social norms, and availability heuristics. To overcome this bias and reach weight loss goals, work on being mindful of surroundings, getting educated about nutrition, seeking out support, and building self-awareness.
What is more common: Shark or Hippopotamus attacks?
If you’re like me, then you probably guessed shark attacks—and you might be surprised to learn that this is wrong.
More people die from hippo attacks each year than shark attacks. If this is true, why does it seem like sharks are the obvious choice?
It's called the availability bias, and it's a cognitive bias that affects our decision-making process. The availability bias is the tendency to rely on information that is easily accessible or readily available, rather than seeking out more accurate or comprehensive information.
In the U.S. we are more familiar with shark attacks. Since we can easily think of examples (Even just the movie “Jaws” does the trick), the occurrence of these events seems more common.
The availability bias can lead you astray in a number of ways, having far reaching implications for your ability to lose body fat. Let's take a closer look at how this bias can prevent fat loss progress and what you can do to overcome it.
The Power of Food Advertising
One of the most significant ways that the availability bias affects your fat loss efforts is through food advertising. We're constantly bombarded with advertisements for unhealthy foods, especially on social media platforms.
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your Instagram or Facebook feed and suddenly craving a burger, fries, or ice cream? This is because food advertising is designed to be memorable and create a sense of urgency. The more you see these ads, the more likely you are to remember them and crave those foods.
The availability bias can also affect your perceptions of healthy foods. If you see a lot of advertisements for "healthy" snack bars or protein shakes, you may assume that these products are good for you, even if they're loaded with calories and empty nutrition.
What can you do to overcome the availability bias in food advertising? First, be mindful of the ads you're exposed to. You can limit your exposure by unfollowing food pages that get your mouth watering. (At least, for a little while.)
Second, educate yourself about nutrition. Learn to read food labels and understand the ingredients that are used in the foods you're eating. Don't be swayed by marketing claims – do your own research and make informed decisions about what you eat.
The Impact of Social Norms
Another way that the availability bias can impact your fat loss efforts is through social norms. Social norms are unwritten rules that govern your behavior and expectations in social situations.
For example, if everyone in your office brings donuts to share on Fridays, you may feel pressured to participate in order to fit in with your coworkers. This can make it difficult to stick to your healthy eating plan and could ultimately sabotage your fat loss progress.
The availability bias comes into play when we rely on social norms to dictate our behavior. If everyone around you is eating junk food or skipping workouts, you may feel that these behaviors are acceptable or normal. This can make it difficult to prioritize your own health and fitness goals.
How can we overcome the availability bias when it comes to social norms? First, remember that your health is your own responsibility. You don't have to conform to social norms that don't align with your goals. Bring your own healthy snacks to share at work or suggest alternative activities with friends that support your fitness plan.
Second, find a support system that aligns with your goals. Join a fitness class or find a workout buddy who shares your commitment to healthy living. Surround yourself with people who support your goals and can help you overcome the availability bias in social situations.
The Influence of Availability Heuristics
The availability bias can also be influenced by availability heuristics, which are mental shortcuts we use to make decisions based on the information that's most readily available to us.
For example, if you hear about someone who lost a significant amount of weight by following a certain diet or exercise plan, you may assume that this plan is the best option for you, without doing your own research or considering other options.
This can lead you to make decisions based on limited information, rather than taking a comprehensive approach to your fat loss goals.
How can you overcome the availability bias when it comes to availability heuristics? First, be aware of the mental shortcuts you may be taking. Ask yourself if you're making decisions based on limited information or if you've thoroughly researched all of your options.
Second, consider seeking out expert advice. Talk to a registered dietitian or qualified fitness coach who can help you create a comprehensive plan that's tailored to your individual needs and goals.
The Importance of Mindfulness
At the core of the availability bias is a lack of mindfulness. When we're not mindful of our thoughts, actions, and surroundings, we're more likely to be influenced by external factors like food advertising, social norms, and availability heuristics.
To overcome the availability bias and reach your fat loss goals, you need to cultivate a sense of mindfulness in your daily life. This means paying attention to your thoughts and feelings, being present in the moment, and making conscious decisions that align with your goals.
Mindfulness can be practiced through activities like journaling, meditation, or simply taking a few moments each day to check in with yourself and your goals. Building that self-awareness is crucial to catching the availability bias before you act on it.
The Bottom Line
The availability bias can be a significant obstacle to reaching your fat loss goals. But by being mindful of your surroundings, getting educated about nutrition, and seeking out support from like-minded individuals, you can overcome this bias and make progress towards a healthier, happier life.
Remember that your health is your own responsibility, and you have the power to make informed decisions that support your goals. With the right mindset and approach, you can overcome the availability bias and achieve the fat loss success you deserve.
~ Coach Alex
P.S. Want to speak with a qualified A-Team coach to get started on the best path for your fat loss goals? Click here to book your free fat loss strategy call where you and an A-Team coach will dive deep into what you’re struggling with so that you know exactly what to do to see results.