The third week of January is dedicated to observing National Healthy Weight Week. The goal for the week-long activity is to increase awareness about the need to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Sometimes, however, the zeal to promote healthy weight comes with discriminating against people who are obese.

A study from the New England Journal of Medicine warned against the promotion of inaccurate beliefs about obesity and highlighted how such errors can result in suboptimal health decisions. The list below explores three misconceptions about obesity:

Misconception 1: Lack of Exercise and Poor Diet Causes Obesity

While the connection between obesity, poor nutrition, and a sedentary lifestyle is intuitively appealing, studies show that insufficient sleep, stress, hormonal disorders, medications, intergenerational effects, and even poverty may also cause obesity.

Misconception 2: Obese People are Lazy

That obese people are lazy seems to be such a pervasive bias that it has led to discrimination in employment opportunities and various forms of weight-related stigmatization such as repeated teasing, bullying, harassment and hostility. The causes of obesity are multifactorial and attributing it to laziness is plain wrong.

Misconception 3: Discipline is the Key

“Weight loss is a matter of willpower” may just be at the root of dangerous fads in diet. Another study revealed that weight loss and weight management varies among individuals. Failure in one weight-loss intervention does not equate to lack of discipline. 

Supporting Clients with Weight Challenges

Patients with excess weight face social, health, and mobility challenges. We can best help them by educating ourselves and not promoting misconceptions about their condition. Medstar is committed to providing reliable care for a wide array of client needs.  Medstar offers bariatric transportation: custom vehicles that are wider and equipped with a sturdier wheelchair to ensure a comfortable ride for patients struggling with obesity. 
If you are looking for a vehicle that meets your unique health and mobility needs,  message us at +1 (509) 728-9816 or contact us now.