By Admin 
Common Obesity Myths Explained By Experts: Obesity is one of the most misunderstood health problems in the world. The reason for this is not that science does not have the answers, but the problem is that years of misconceptions, misleading diet advice and social prejudices have pushed the correct information back. According to Saloni Paliwal, co-founder and COO of Voy India (formerly EarlyFit), there are many myths about obesity which are not only wrong but are also harming people’s health.
Does this happen because of lifestyle?
The biggest misconception is that obesity is only a result of a person’s lifestyle. Whereas research shows that many factors like genetics, hormones, sleep, stress, intestinal microbiome and environment work together behind this. This is the reason that despite similar diet and similar physical activity, the weight of two people can be different.
Can it be cured by eating less?
Another common myth is that “eat less and move more” is the solution. Saloni Paliwal says that this advice is not completely wrong, but it is also not sufficient to treat a complex and long-lasting disease like obesity. The hormones that control appetite and the body’s metabolism make this process much more difficult.
Is it your responsibility not to lose weight?
Similarly, many people believe that lack of willpower is responsible for not being able to lose weight. Whereas hormones like ghrelin, leptin, insulin and cortisol affect appetite and desire to eat. In such a situation, just saying work harder is not the solution to the problem. Experts say that not every obesity is visible from outside, but in many people, fat accumulates around the organs inside the body, which is called visceral obesity. This risk is particularly high in South Asian populations. Therefore, assessing health only on the basis of weight or BMI is not considered sufficient.
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Can weight gain again once it is lost?
Another big misconception is that once the weight is lost, it always remains there. Research shows that the body tries to maintain its old weight, due to which there is a possibility of weight gain again over time. For this reason, obesity may require long-term medical assistance. There are also many misconceptions regarding GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirazepatide. However, these medicines have shown good results in clinical trials and they help in controlling appetite and metabolism. According to experts, their use is not to choose the easy path but to get the treatment done in the right way.
Is obesity a disease?
The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association and the world’s leading endocrinology organizations consider obesity as a chronic disease. It is linked to more than 200 diseases like type-2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea and many types of cancer. Therefore, it is not right to consider obesity as just a problem of weight gain, rather it is important to understand it as a serious health condition and seek timely treatment.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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