What Are Some Common Myths and Facts Associated with Obesity?
Myth #1: People only become obese and overweight because they do not engage in weight loss efforts including physical activity and have unhealthy eating habits.
Fact: It is important to remember that obesity is not always a behavioral issue. Although physical activity and eating habits are major contributors to obesity, there are other elements to consider in evaluating causes of obesity. In many instances, weight loss and management efforts require a balanced combination of behavioral change, medical/scientific evaluation and intervention. In addition, hormone disorders (metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, thyroid disease) – such as those related to the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries and pituitary – can contribute to obesity.
Myth #2:
Obesity is only prevalent in developed countries that foster indulgent
lifestyles, with poor diets and lack of exercise, like the U.S. and the
United Kingdom.
Fact: In economically advanced regions of developing countries, prevalence rates of obesity may be as high as rates in industrialized countries21. Contrary to popular opinion, in developing countries, where malnutrition levels are high, there are also reported cases of obesity22. While the exact cause of obesity is still under investigation, researchers hypothesize that rising obesity rates in developing countries may be due to societal changes such as greater food consumption and genetic adaptations that impact metabolism. In addition, a recent study by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization suggests that reducing malnutrition in pregnant women could prevent childhood (pediatric) obesity. The theory is that under-nutrition in the womb may adversely affect a fetus’ metabolism – essentially training the child’s metabolism to conserve, rather than use, calories predisposing the childhood (pediatric) or adult obesity.
Myth #3: Once committed to a weight-loss regimen, obese individuals should attempt to lose a large amount of weight as quickly as possible.
Fact: Actually, weight loss – especially fast weight loss (more than three pounds per week) or loss of a large amount of weight – can increase the risk of developing gallstones. Maintaining a steady regimen of about one to two pounds a week over time is more sustainable and less likely to cause gallstones23.
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The Endocrine
Society and The Hormone Foundation Addresses Diet
“Fads” Although each individual’s body chemistry and eating habits vary, the optimal rate for a weight loss diet for most people is no more than one to two pounds a week. Diet programs or weight-loss regimens that promise greater results should be discussed with the patient’s doctor. The Endocrine Society and The Hormone Foundation encourage all individuals to take a proactive role in their health, including regular visits with his or her physician. |
Myth #4: Weight gain in women over time is healthy and part of a natural aging process.
Fact: Although metabolism may change over time, weight gain of more than 20 pounds is not a normal part of the maturation process and may actually increase a woman’s risk of obesity-related disease. According to a recent report on overweight and obesity published by the office of the U.S. Surgeon General, women gaining more than 20 pounds between age 18 and midlife double their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, compared with women whose weight remains stable24.
Myth #5: Osteoarthritis only develops when an individual gains a large amount of weight over a short time period.
Fact: Timing is not a major factor in the development of osteoarthritis. For every two-pound increase in weight, the risk of developing arthritis is increased by nine to 13 percent25.
