Thread by @NeilFlochMD

Ten myths of weight and weightloss

1. Myth: Our current weight only depends on how much we eat and how much we exercise

Reality: Our weight depends on genetic, environmental factors and behavior as well as what and how much we eat, exercise accounts for little weight loss but can help maintain our weight

2. Myth: Any weight can be lost by anyone who eats less food and healthy food

Reality: People with obesity have a very small chance of being able to lose all their weight and keep it off by diet change alone

3.Myth: My doctors always understand obesity and how to treat it

Reality: Very few doctors understand nutrition, obesity, and weight loss because till now these subjects were not taught in medical school

4. Myth: New weight loss drugs are miraculous causing people to lose all their weight

Reality: Mounjaro results in a 22% total body weight loss which is the best for any medication but is currently FDA approved for Diabetes only, not obesity. -not covered by insurance & costly

5.Myth: Bariatric surgery works by creating a small stomach so that people eat less

Reality: Bariatric surgeries are varied but most involve a smaller stomach but have numerous other mechanisms that cause weight loss such as changing gut hormone levels & increasing bile

6. Myth: After having bariatric surgery I will become cured of my obesity

Reality: After bariatric surgery all the weight lost can be regained. It’s not easy and a healthy diet must be followed with exercise for weight maintenance and health. Patients must take daily vitamins.

7. Myth: The Gastric Sleeve performed by one surgeon is the same as any other surgeon

Reality: You must pick your surgeon wisely. Do the research. There is a wide variation on how this procedure is performed.

8. Myth: Doctors cannot treat obesity without surgery

Reality: There are many options for treatment of obesity besides surgery but bariatric surgery is most effective. Medications such as GLP-1 Agonist, Phentermine, Topamax, Natrexone, Wellbutrin, among others may be used.

9. Myth: Obesity is the fault of the person with it

Reality: Obesity is a complex disease with multiple causes most of which are beyond the capability of most people to control

10.Myth: Foods in specialty health food stores are safe and healthy

Reality: No matter where you buy food, ultra processed foods usually have added sugars, sugar alcohol and many non-healthy ingredients. Learning about food ingredients is the way to start to be healthier

Many more myths then ten…….