Despite en amounts of research and studies, society will always form various myths about obesity. Many false concepts circulate about obesity and most people refuse to learn the facts from the myth behind the complex issue.
Society as it is now knows almost everything there is to know about obesity and weight management, however, spreading misconceptions and myths regarding the subject can be misleading and potentially even harmful. Beliefs about obesity continue to persist because of the lack of scientific evidence whereas, some persist even after the scientific evidence is produced these are called MYTHS.
Fitness Experts on 7 Myths Surrounding Obesity
Eat Less, Move More:
While it is true that frequent physical activity and eating a balanced diet are crucial for general health, the “eat less, move more” mantra oversimplifies the complex issues surrounding obesity. Body weight is greatly influenced by several factors, including – socioeconomic position, hormone imbalances, heredity, and environmental factors. For those who are obese, cutting calories and upping activity alone does not necessarily result in long-term weight loss.
Obesity is the cause of Diabetes:
Although it is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, obesity is not the only cause of the disease. Diabetes type 2 is a complex illness that is impacted by a person’s genetics, lifestyle, and other medical issues. Not everyone who has diabetes also has obesity, and not everyone who has diabetes has diabetes. Furthermore, the fact that type 2 diabetes may strike thin people emphasizes how complicated the disease’s etiology is.
Obese People Are Lazy:
The stereotype “Obese people are lazy” is damaging in addition to being untrue. Obesity patients may experience several obstacles to physical exercise, such as joint discomfort, restricted mobility, and social stigma. Activity levels can also be impacted by variables including – depression, socioeconomic position, and availability of safe recreational areas. Prejudging someone’s lifestyle based only on their weight ignores the variety of experiences that people with obesity have and helps to perpetuate prejudice.
Obesity is in the Genes:
Genetics can contribute to obesity, but it does not define a person’s fate. Although genetics has a role in metabolism, fat storage, and hunger regulation, it interacts with behavioural and environmental variables. Obesity in the family may raise vulnerability, but lifestyle decisions are still very important. Though it’s not a set result, knowing genetic predispositions might help tailor strategies for managing weight.
Obesity has no impact on health:
Numerous health hazards, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, several malignancies, and mental health issues are linked to obesity. Being overweight can impact several organ systems by causing insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal abnormalities. But it’s important to understand that different obese people have different health outcomes. Not everyone encounters the same problems, and outcomes are influenced by things like – medical care, nutrition quality, and degree of exercise.
Obesity is due to slow metabolism:
Although metabolic rate has an impact on managing weight, it is not the only factor in obesity. Individual differences in metabolism can be caused by age, muscle mass, and hormone balance, among other things. Nonetheless, a lot of obese individuals have metabolic rates that fall within the normal range. An imbalance between calories consumed and expended, impacted by variables other than metabolism including food composition and exercise habits, frequently leads to weight gain.
Obesity is caused by eating fast foods:
Although fast food might hasten weight gain because of its high calorie, fat, and sugar content, it is not the only factor in obesity. Large portion sizes, intense marketing, and the constant availability of processed meals are characteristics of the current food environment that lead to excessive calorie consumption and inactive lifestyles. However, obesity is a complicated problem that is impacted by several behavioural, environmental, genetic, and socioeconomic variables.
In summary, dispelling myths and misunderstandings around obesity necessitates a thorough
understanding of its intricate characteristics. We can create an environment that is more encouraging and welcoming for those who are impacted by obesity by addressing the various factors that contribute to the disease and advocating for evidence-based methods of weight control.
To effectively combat obesity and its related health effects, we must dispel myths, encourage empathy, and give health equity priority.