Clearing the Confusion: Myths vs Facts

Welcome to the “Myths and Facts” zone — a concise, evidence-led series from Hope Obesity Hospital led by Dr. Digvijay Singh Bedi, designed to correct common misconceptions in obesity care and metabolic health.

In today's environment, simple advice often replaces medically accurate guidance. Our goal is to share clinically sound information that helps patients and caregivers make safer, long-term choices.

These short videos each start with a common myth, then share the real facts and the medical reasons behind them — explained in clear, everyday language so both healthcare professionals and the community can make informed, confident choices.

MYTH 1: Obesity is only caused by overeating

FACT: Obesity is a multifactorial chronic disease influenced by genetics, environment, metabolism, medications, and social determinants — not solely by caloric intake.

Reason: While caloric balance matters, biological factors (e.g., set-point physiology, endocrine influences) and obesogenic environments strongly affect weight regulation. Effective care addresses medical, behavioral, and environmental contributors.

MYTH 2: Diet alone is enough for sustainable weight loss

FACT: A dietary intervention is necessary but often insufficient by itself for durable weight loss; multidisciplinary management yields better long-term results.

Reason: Combining nutrition therapy with behavioral support, physical activity, medical evaluation, and where appropriate pharmacotherapy or surgery, improves maintenance and reduces weight regain risk.

MYTH 3: Exercise alone guarantees clinically meaningful weight loss

FACT: Regular physical activity has many health benefits but is rarely sufficient by itself to produce major weight loss; its greatest value is improving cardiometabolic health and preserving lean mass during weight loss.

Reason: Exercise increases energy expenditure and cardiovascular fitness, but compensatory appetite and behavioral factors often limit isolated exercise-driven weight loss; pairing exercise with dietary and behavioral strategies is standard care.

MYTH 4: Weight-loss supplements are a safe, effective shortcut

FACT: Many over-the-counter supplements lack robust safety and efficacy data; some pose health risks or interact with medications.

Reason: Supplements are not regulated like medications. Clinically supervised options (dietary plans, approved pharmacotherapy) and specialist review are recommended over unverified products.

MYTH 5: Bariatric surgery is a quick fix without ongoing care

FACT: Bariatric procedures are powerful therapeutic tools, but they require lifelong multidisciplinary follow-up and lifestyle modification to achieve optimal outcomes.

Reason: Surgery alters physiology and supports weight loss, yet nutritional monitoring, behavioral support, and medical follow-up are essential to prevent deficiencies and maximize sustained benefit.

MYTH 6: Spot reduction exercises will melt fat from specific areas

FACT: Localized exercise strengthens muscles in a targeted area but does not selectively remove subcutaneous fat from that region.

Reason: Fat loss follows systemic energy balance and individual physiology. A comprehensive plan combining whole-body exercise, nutrition, and, when indicated, medical therapy is the evidence-based approach.

MYTH 7: Thin appearance equals metabolic health

FACT: Body mass alone does not define health — normal-weight individuals may have cardiometabolic risks, while higher-weight patients may be metabolically healthy when comorbidities are absent.

Reason: Clinical assessment should consider blood pressure, glucose, lipids, fitness, and functional status rather than weight in isolation to guide treatment.

MYTH 8: Once you lose weight, obesity cannot return

FACT: Weight regain is common because biological and environmental drivers favor prior body mass; ongoing support and relapse prevention are necessary.

Reason: Long-term success requires maintenance strategies (behavioral support, medical management, and follow-up). Clinicians should plan for sustained care rather than a one-time solution.