Dispelling obesity myths with Dr. Mazur
Widespread myths about obesity and the truth behind them
Obesity is often misunderstood and surrounded by many prejudices, most of them negative. These prejudices can be detrimental to sufferers and complicate their journey towards better health.
I'd like to clarify some of these myths to help everyone better understand this complex, multifactorial condition. Here are some of the most common myths, and the truth behind each one.
Myth 1: Obesity is caused solely by poor diet and lack of exercise
The reality Although diet and physical activity play a role, obesity is a complex disease influenced by many factors, including genetics, metabolism, hormones and the environment. Reducing obesity to a matter of personal willpower or lifestyle choices oversimplifies the condition and demonstrates ignorance of its underlying causes. Such misunderstandings often arise when complex medical issues are reduced to simplistic narratives. Develop stronger critical thinking skills, such as evaluating evidence, recognizing oversimplifications and questioning assumptions, can help people better understand health information. That's why the mind-body connection is so strong.
Myth 2: Rapid weight loss is always a sign of success
The reality Dr. Mazur: Losing weight too quickly can be detrimental to your health and is often not sustainable. Dr. Mazur advocates a balanced, progressive approach focused on realistic, long-term changes to ensure lasting results and better overall health.
Myth 3: Bariatric surgery is the easy way out
The reality : Bariatric surgery is a serious procedure that requires a long-term commitment to medical follow-up, dietary modifications and lifestyle adjustments.
Myth 4: All obese people are in poor health
The reality Health isn't just about weight. Although obesity can increase the risk of certain diseases, each person is different, and it's possible to be overweight and still have good overall health indicators. At the Co-Attitude clinic, we encourage an approach that considers the individual as a whole, taking into account not only physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being.
Myth 5: Dieting is the best way to lose weight
The reality Extreme or "restrictive" diets are difficult to maintain and can have negative effects on metabolism. We recommend a balanced diet approach, adapted to the needs of each patient, to foster a healthy relationship with food and avoid the yo-yo effect.