Over the years, there has been the idea that to be happy, the “ideal weight” must be achieved. This notion, which seems to be present at each corner of social networks and advertisements, has sown insecurity in many people. But is being thin guarantees us happiness? Or is it that, on the contrary, the obsession with weight could be stealing more well -being than we imagine?
On the hot table, the bariatric endoscopist Amny Acosta He addressed the issue of fears, myths and realities that those who fight to lose weight or maintain an “ideal” appearance face. In her speech, the expert shared details about how these factors impact our mental and physical health, in addition to offering advice to take care of our body in a healthier and more realistic way.
According to Amny Acosta, the idea of the ideal weight, as we knew it, has been left behind. “The ideal weight went out of style, that is a 1990 concept,” said the expert, referring to a parameter that used to be measured based on height and a rigid number that was expected to be achieved. However, this approach has changed over time. Instead of focusing solely on the number on the scale, the current approach is much more comprehensive and personalized, recognizing that each body is different and that what is ideal for a person is not necessarily for another.
Myths that reinforce the stigma of obesity
The myths on obesity are in the guide prepared by the Spanish Society of Obesity (SEEDO), the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN) and the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI)focused on giving recommendations to the media about how to report obesity.
The objective of the project is to contribute to modifying the perception of citizens about obesity, their prevalence and treatment.
These societies believe the initiative necessary since, often, it is believed that people with overweight or obesity are demotivated, they are less competent, careless and breached, they are lazy and lack self -discipline.
These circumstances can negatively influence the psychological well -being of these people and increase their propensity to low self -esteem, a bad image of the body and depression.
Frequent myths about obesity
In the guide some myths are presented to which obesity faces.
Overweight and obesity should simply eat too much and not exercise enough
This is a lie since obesity is a complex disorder in which multiple factors influence, including those of genetic, epigenetic, physiological, metabolic, social, environmental and psychological.
Obesity is a problem related only to lifestyle and is a matter of responsibility
This idea is a simplistic perspective that does not reflect the complexity of the disorder.
Professional associations around the world recognize that obesity is a public health problem that requires a protocol of approach of a chronic disease.
Small reductions in body weight do not entail any benefit
While it is true that losing a significant amount of weight can provide a wide range of health benefits, even small reductions can have positive effects.
Not knowing what to do to lose excess weight
Adherence to lifestyle changes in obesity requires a very comprehensive approach that takes into account the individual, psychological, social and environmental factors that can influence the behavior of the person.
The guide is recommended to seek professional guidance, educate about nutrition and healthy habits.
Also establish realistic and sustainable goals, make gradual changes and seek social support can be important steps on the way to successful and lasting weight loss.
People with overweight or obesity have no self -control
This statement is very broad and does not reflect the complexity of the underlying causes of overweight and obesity, nor the diversity of individual experiences.
Many people with obesity have problems with emotional intake, impulsivity, altered reward and greater stress sensitivity.
Diet and exercise are the solution for obesity
In the SEEDO, SEEN and SEMI document, it is explained that a healthy eating and physical activity should be part of any weight loss treatment, but they are not always enough to maintain weight loss.
Therefore, it is necessary to have multiple weight control options to help people with obesity to lose it and improve their health.
(With EFE information)
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