Addressing Misconceptions in Obesity: Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Annenberg Center for Health Sciences
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The management of persons with obesity is challenging, made even greater due to the numerous myths and misconceptions among patients and clinicians. For example, “Obesity is a choice, not a disease.” “Weight loss of at least 10% is needed for any health benefit.” “Drugs should not be used because weight will only be regained once they are discontinued.” Science and clinical experience, however, tell us otherwise.

Episodes

  1. 07/17/2025

    Approved Obesity Medications and Role of Adjunctive Lifestyle Modifications

    Safety and efficacy of FDA-approved obesity medications and role of lifestyle modificationsMyth: “Drugs should not be used to treat obesity, because weight will only be regained once weight-loss medications are discontinued”Myth: “All long-term weight-loss medications provide similar weight loss”Myth: “Lifestyle modifications are not as important once a weight-loss medication is startedMyth: “Selection of a weight-loss medication is based solely on its weight loss efficacyMisconception: “Obesity medications obtained online are safe and effective”Interprofessional, multidisciplinary support

    18 min

  2. 07/17/2025

    Treatment Overview: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Treatment Approaches for Obesity

    Myth: “Low fat diets are the best way to reduce body fat”Myth: “Increased physical exercise is the most effective way to reduce body weightBehavior modificationMyth: “Vitamins and herbal supplements are effective in achieving weight reduction”Myth: “Bariatric surgery is considered the ‘easy way out’ and reserved for patients who are failures and ‘cheaters’ and is too dangerous for everyone else”Key principles of pharmacological management

    28 min

  3. 07/17/2025

    Goals and Expectations of Obesity Treatment

    Benefits of treating obesity as a diseaseMyth: “Weight loss of at least 10% over 6 months is needed for any health benefit”Myth: “Slow and gradual weight reduction is ultimately more effective than large and rapid weight loss”

    17 min

  4. 07/17/2025

    Screening and Diagnosis

    Misconception: “Obesity is classified solely on BMI”Myth: “There is no staging system available for determining obesity-related morbidity and mortality”

    12 min

  5. 07/17/2025

    Obesity as a Serious, Chronic Disease

    Misconception: “Obesity is a choice, not a disease”Myth: “Individuals with obesity have low metabolism”

    15 min

  6. 07/17/2025

    Purpose and Overview

    Obesity Medicine Association practice statementsCompanion social media resource for patients

    2 min

  7. 07/16/2025

    Introduction

    Obesity definitions and key milestonesDiagnostic codesCurrent state of treatmentSteps to combat clinician inertia

    8 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

The management of persons with obesity is challenging, made even greater due to the numerous myths and misconceptions among patients and clinicians. For example, “Obesity is a choice, not a disease.” “Weight loss of at least 10% is needed for any health benefit.” “Drugs should not be used because weight will only be regained once they are discontinued.” Science and clinical experience, however, tell us otherwise.

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