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Researchers address obesity myths
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Obesity has gained momentum as a trending topic among media outlets, but information is not always presented based on evidence, according to data in a special article published in The New England Journal of Medicine.This miscommunication has led researchers from various institutions to report on the myths and presumptions regarding obesity.
Study researchers used searches on various popular media and scientific literature to identify seven myths, six presumptions and nine facts and implications regarding obesity.
According to the findings, common myths on obesity include: small sustained changes in energy intake or expenditure; setting realistic goals for weight loss; the rate of weight loss; diet readiness; importance of physical education; breast-feeding as a protective measure against obesity; and sexual activity and energy expenditure.
Based on further evidence, the researchers reported the following presumptions implied in the literature: regularly eating breakfast protects against obesity; early childhood is when people learn that exercise and eating habits influence weight throughout life; eating more fruits and vegetables will result in weight loss or less weight gain; weight cycling is associated with increased risk for mortality; snacking contributes to obesity; and parking availability and sidewalks influence obesity.
“Our proposal that myths and presumptions be seen for what they are should not be mistaken as a call for nihilism,” the researchers wrote. “There are things we do know with reasonable confidence.”
For this reason, a list of nine facts and implications was compiled. According to the researchers, the first two facts establish a framework for intervention and preventive techniques. The next four facts are considered prescriptive, with tools that can be easily interpreted to the public, and the last three are more suited for clinical settings.
These three facts include: provision of meals and use of meal-replacement products to promote greater weight loss; pharmaceutical agents to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss; and bariatric surgery results in long-term weight loss and reductions in the rate of incident diabetes and mortality.
The researchers wrote that the scientific community must be open-minded and honest with the patient community regarding knowledge and unproven strategies.
Perspective
Back to TopTheodore Kyle, RPh, MBA
It is a necessary element of good science to question our own scientific findings, beliefs, attitudes, assumptions and biases. This article encourages us to think more deeply about our underlying beliefs about obesity and how we can work to help those affected.
We applaud the study's authors for highlighting what we know about obesity by pointing to facts well supported by scientific literature. For example, while we may want to believe that meal plans based on 'balance, variety and moderation' are the best for treating obesity, science shows that the more structured the meal plan, the more weight that's lost.
The article challenges many commonly held assumptions about obesity that will, no doubt, spur a healthy discussion and generate new ideas. At The Obesity Society, it's our goal to move from research to education to action, combating the obesity epidemic head on. Visit www.obesity.org to find out more.
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