Though experts define obesity as a chronic and complex disease, harmful stigmas remain. These persistent stereotypes can lead to both suffering and negative health outcomes for those affected.
“Obesity is not a personal failing or reflection of someone’s laziness,” says Dr. John Briggs, a Psychologist with ThedaCare Behavioral Health who specializes in obesity care. “Shaming someone with obesity does not help and can cause real damage.”
Each March, we mark Obesity Care Week. The observance calls for raising awareness, educating, and advocating for people with obesity. Part of that work involves addressing obesity stigma.
Harms of Stigma
The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that more than 40% of adults have endured some form of weight-related stigma. Anyone can experience weight bias, but women are more frequently targeted, the APA states. Children who are obese also often face teasing or bullying from peers.
People with obesity can encounter weight bias, sometimes called sizeism, in many parts of their lives. Individuals may experience stigma in their personal lives and relationships, in their interactions with strangers, and even in health care settings.
Bias can take many forms. People with obesity may experience taunting, bullying, snide or thoughtless comments, and unfair treatment.
“Sizeism can lead to many negative consequences,” Dr. Briggs says. “These include depression, anxiety, substance use, and resistance to seeking medical care.”
Those who experience weight bias also are at risk of gaining additional weight, the APA states. For example, fears of being judged may lead people to binge eat or avoid exercising in public.
Dispelling Myths
Here, Dr. Briggs sets the record straight on common weight-related stereotypes.
Myth: A healthy diet and exercise are all you need to lose weight.
Fact: The human body is hardwired to protect itself from starvation. This can make it challenging to maintain weight loss, even despite people’s best efforts.
Myth: Those who can’t keep weight off lack willpower and aren’t trying hard enough.
Fact: Many factors can contribute to weight gain. These include age, genetics, ultra-processed foods, medications, mental health problems, health care access and affordability, and life events and circumstances. Some of these are difficult or impossible to overcome.
Myth: Those who can’t lose weight just haven’t found the right diet yet.
Fact: It’s not that simple. Obesity is a complex and chronic disease that requires lifelong care. Treating the disease of obesity calls for an individualized approach and a range of treatments.
Myth: If you take weight loss medication or have bariatric surgery, you’re taking the easy way out.
Fact: People who pursue obesity treatment are taking a brave step — one that is by no means easy. Regardless of the path you take to lose weight, you will need to make lifelong changes. This takes determination and commitment.
Myth: Losing weight is just about looking better.
Fact: The benefits of weight loss go beyond what someone sees in the mirror. People who successfully lose weight and keep it off can see improvements in blood sugar control, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, joint pain, and mental health. In addition, losing weight can help manage or even reverse other health conditions. These include diabetes, sleep apnea, and acid reflux. Maintaining a healthy weight also can help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Help at Hand
“We know that negative reinforcement doesn’t help people with obesity,” Dr. Briggs says. “Instead, our Weight Wellness Solutions program offers a full range of support and treatments designed to help individuals lead healthier lives for the long term.”
Weight Wellness Solutions offers a continuum of care. Treatments and services range from nutrition and health coaching to obesity medications to weight loss surgery. A supportive team comes alongside you and works together to help you find the care that best meets your needs.
Ready to get started in your journey to healthy and sustainable weight loss?
