3 myths about losing weight physicians can dispel

While overeating may play a role, the development and persistence of obesity is the result of numerous genetic, environmental, and biological factors. In addition to influencing obesity, these factors also affect hunger, satiety, propensity for specific foods, and response to nutritional interventions.

Many people believe that a perfect diet exists and that once it is identified and implemented, life can resume as normal. In reality, the chronic condition requires a nutritional plan that will need to be continued indefinitely to keep weight and health stable. In fact, an intensification of the entire treatment plan, including nutrition, may be required when the body metabolically adapts to weight loss. Anti-obesity medications may also be needed to enhance adherence to the nutritional plan, induce further weight loss, and/or prevent weight regain.

Some believe that weight gain or loss is determined by a simple equation: calories in vs. calories out. On the contrary, weight and appetite are regulated by multiple neurohormonal processes that involve adipose tissue, endocrine organs, gastrointestinal tract peptides, and the peripheral and central nervous systems. The body responds hormonally to the type, quality and quantity of food eaten, which goes beyond calories. Foods that increase insulin levels, such as sugars, starches and other ultra-processed foods, promote lipogenesis and inhibit lipolysis.