Obesity Myth: Anyone Can Lose Weight



scaleHere is another common misconception about obesity discussed in our article in Canadian Family Physician:

“It is common to hear that weight loss is a matter of willpower and compliance with the weight-reducing program.

However, the magnitude of weight loss is very different among individuals with the same weight-loss intervention and prescription, and the same compliance to the program—one size does not fit all.

Thus, for some people (especially those who have already lost some weight), simply putting more effort into a weight-loss program will not always result in additional weight loss given the different compensatory adaptations to weight loss.

For example, the decrease in energy expenditure that occurs during weight loss is highly variable between people and might dampen efforts to lose additional body fat.

Such compensatory mechanisms might sometimes fully counteract the 500 kcal per day decrease recommended in most dietary interventions, making it very difficult for such “poor responders” to lose weight.

Physicians should remember that obesity is not a choice and weight-loss success is different for every patient.

Success can be defined as better quality of life, greater self-esteem, higher energy levels, improved overall health, or the prevention of further weight gain.”

@DrSharma
Edmonton, AB