5 Myths About Obesity That Need to Be Debunked
When it comes to weight loss and obesity, there’s a lot of misinformation out there.
These myths can make it harder for people to get the help they need and deserve.
Let’s clear up some of the most common myths so you can focus on what really
works.
1) “Just Eat Less, and You’ll Lose Weight” ��
This outdated idea isn’t just wrong—it’s harmful. Telling someone to stop eating
ignores how the body and brain work together. Hunger, fullness, and even cravings
are controlled by hormones that communicate between your brain and gut. Plus,
most of the food we eat today is ultra-processed, which means it’s designed to
make you overeat.
Telling someone to “just stop eating” is like telling someone to stop being
thirsty—it doesn’t work. Weight loss is much more complex than just willpower.
2) “Exercise More, and You’ll Shed the Pounds” ��♀️
Exercise is important for your health, but it’s not the main way people lose weight.
The biggest factor in weight loss is eating fewer calories. Exercise helps in other
ways, like protecting your muscles as you lose weight and improving mobility.
Resistance training is especially important if you’re taking weight loss medication
since it can help prevent muscle loss.
Even small amounts of movement can make a big difference for people who
struggle with mobility.
3) “Taking Weight Loss Medications Is Cheating” ��
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Obesity is a complex medical condition
influenced by hormones that control hunger, fullness, and cravings. For many
people, medication helps these hormones work properly, giving them a real chance
to succeed.
Medication isn’t a shortcut—it’s a tool. You still need to make changes to your diet
and lifestyle, but now you’ll have the support your body needs to make those
changes stick.
4) “Some People Are Healthy Even If They’re Obese” ��
It’s true that some people with obesity don’t have immediate signs of health issues
like high blood sugar or cholesterol. But obesity still puts strain on your body. Joint
pain, sleep apnea, and acid reflux are just a few of the problems that can arise, even
in people who seem “metabolically healthy.”
The biggest risk? Over time, most people who are “metabolically healthy” will
develop health issues if they don’t address their weight.
5) “I Can Just Order Weight Loss Medications Online”
Weight loss medications are powerful tools, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all
solution. Obesity is a complex disease, and treating it takes a team of experts.
Dietitians, psychologists, and medical weight loss specialists all play important
roles in creating a plan that works for you.
A quick online purchase won’t give you the long-term results you deserve.
Working with a medical weight loss team can.
Takeaway: Science Beats Myths ��
These myths about obesity have been around for far too long. But science has
shown us the truth. You don’t have to let outdated ideas hold you back from taking
control of your health.
Congratulations on putting yourself first and making your health a priority!
Stay Healthy, Stay Strong
Dr. Leon Katz
www.DrKatzWeightLoss.com
Sources:
1 Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1-based therapies and
mitigation strategies Ian J. Neeland MD1,2 | Jennifer Linge PhD3,4 |
Andreas L. Birkenfeld MD5,6,7,8 . Diabetes Obes Metab. 2024;1–12.
https://dom-pubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/dom.15728
2 Role of Physical Activity for Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance, Carla E.
Cox. ©2017 by the American Diabetes Association
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5556592/pdf/157.pdf
3 Metabolically Healthy Obesity, Matthias Bluher. Endocrine Reviews, June
2020, 41(3) 1-16 (https://bit.ly/3Xs3iz0)
This article is for educational purposes and should be discussed with a medical
professional.
