Some misconceptions…about obesity
Source : BNP Paribas Cardif validated by Rouen University Hospital
Summary
- It’s not about me.
- We’re obese because we eat too much.
- We are obese because we do not move enough.
- Obesity mainly affects rich countries.
- If someone is obese, they’ve looked for it…
- BMI is the only factor that will determine if a person is obese.
It’s not about me.
According to the WHO, the number of obese people has tripled since 1975. By 2030, the organization predicts that without swift and radical action, one in five women and one in seven men will be directly affected by obesity by 2030.
We’re obese because we eat too much.
Diet obviously plays a role in overweight. But obesity also includes genetic or social factors. Being overweight can also be related to medication, depression or other mental health issues.
We are obese because we do not move enough.
Physical activity affects weight, but as with diet, there may be other factors to consider as well.
Obesity mainly affects rich countries.
On the contrary. If the wealthy countries were the main concerned at the end of the 20th century, we see today a vast reversal of the situation. Because of industrial lobbies and the omnipresence of ultra-processed products, it is often cheaper to consume foods with very high sugar, fat, and/or salt content, that are harmful to health and can be responsible for obesity if consumed regularly.
If someone is obese, they’ve looked for it…
We are not all equal before obesity. Already, the genetic share accounts for 40 to 70% in our susceptibility to obesity. It also influences other factors, such as mental health, sleep quality, and especially social factors that will affect diet (see question above).
BMI is the only factor that will determine if a person is obese.
If BMI is a useful index to quickly calculate a potential state of overweight, doctors are moving away from it more and more.
In June 2023, the American Medical Association communicated that the BMI does not take into account the racial or genetic peculiarities of the individual, prompting its doctors to favor other methods of calculation.
A child who is obese will remain so as an adult
The closer puberty approaches, the more likely a child is to remain overweight. It is therefore necessary to act from an early age by setting up good habits and a peaceful relationship with food and physical activity. Many countries offer follow-up programs for children who are already overweight. In France, in 2023, the Health Insurance launched the Retrouvé ton cap program, which offers families multidisciplinary and tailor-made care to support children who are overweight or obese and/or have risk factors.
Advertising has nothing to do with obesity
Our time spent on screens continues to grow, and with it our exposure to advertising messages. This is particularly the case for children, who are extremely receptive to images. Studies have evaluated the direct link between viewing advertisements for ultra-processed foods and children’s attitudes towards food.
It is up to the individual to get out of his situation.
Faced with the global scourge that is this “second pandemic” of the 21st century, as the WHO has designated it, it is up to governments to act to quickly put in place taxes and regulations on ultra-processed products or sugary drinks, both on their promotion and on their availability.National and international health services also implement follow-up programs for all individuals directly affected by the progression of obesity. Other organizations are also working to promote awareness and information about this problem, which concerns us all.