It is not a myth; you can lose weight without dieting. Most people want to lose weight and improve fitness but lack motivation. Scientists from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention say that getting a dog may help people lose weight without dieting.

Pet owners feel an obligation to maintain their animal’s health, which is a powerful incentive for taking the dog for a walk. Even if you do not need to lose weight, walking is a great exercise.

One study found that people who owned dogs walked 300 minutes per week versus 168 minutes per week in people who did not own dogs.

Australian researchers speculated that heart attacks in their country would decrease by 9 percent if people walked their dogs at least 150 minutes a week.

Many veterinarians complain that American dogs are overweight. Do not buy a dog unless you plan to walk it. [source: Fitness Rx]