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Obesity is a complex disease. It’s typically defined as having too much body mass, which can cause serious health problems, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. Although it is not a perfect measure, healthcare providers (HCPs) use an individual’s body mass index (BMI), along with other indicators, to diagnose both the disease as well as the severity of the disease.
About 4 out of 10 people in the U.S. are living with obesity. And women and people assigned female at birth are more likely to have severe obesity (a BMI of 40 or higher) compared to people assigned male at birth.
Over the years, there’s been an increase in public awareness about the various causes of obesity as well as the treatment options available for the disease. But there are still many misconceptions out there.
Take our quiz to see how much you know about obesity and learn more about this complicated disease.
1. Obesity is a disease.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Obesity is a disease, not a lifestyle choice. For people living with obesity, excess body fat may be caused by many things, including genetics and the use of certain medications. Other factors, including diet, eating patterns, exercise and environment (e.g., a safe place for physical activity), can also play a role.
2. People living with obesity must lose a lot of weight to experience health benefits.
Correct
Incorrect
false. Research shows a loss of as little as 2.5% of body weight can lead to better glucose levels, lower triglyceride blood levels (fat in your blood) and improved outcomes for people dealing with infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome. Research shows a 5% reduction in body weight can also lead to less depression and pain among people with arthritis and improvement in mobility and urinary incontinence, among other health conditions.
3. Processed foods increase the risk of obesity.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Ultra-processing, or reducing good stuff in food, such as fiber and micronutrients, and adding sugar, fat and salt to food, increases the risk of obesity. These foods can also lead to “addictive-like” eating patterns that can lead to weight
4. A low-fat diet is the best way to lose weight.
Correct
Incorrect
false. Although it’s complicated. Low fat sounds good on paper, and it may be good for some people. But research shows a low-fat diet can also be high in refined carbohydrates, which may increase the risk of obesity. Of course, like all eating plans, what works for one person may not work for another. For better health overall, studies show the lower carb, healthy fat, Mediterranean Diet may help reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and other health conditions.
5. Medications and surgery are taking the easy way out.
Correct
Incorrect
false. Obesity is a serious chronic disease. And like other chronic diseases, medication, surgery and lifestyle choices may all be part of a successful treatment plan to improve health overall.
6. Not all people living with obesity have extra body weight.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Obesity is a lifelong disease that you may still have, even if you’ve lost weight. Since obesity is a chronic disease, it usually requires ongoing management — just like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a healthy weight requires a comprehensive approach and may require medications or other medical interventions. In addition, physical activity, nutrition and behavioral training are all part of a triangle of self-care and should involve an HCP and care team.
Help Us Increase Access to Obesity Treatment >>
This educational resource was created with support from Novo Nordisk, a member of the HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council.
This resource was created with support from Merck.
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