Is it my fault that I am overweight?
No, absolutely not. If you live with overweight, you are far from alone. However, the struggle to lose weight can feel long and lonely. For many people, overweight (BMI above 25) or obesity (overweight) (BMI above 30) affects both physical and mental health, with reduced quality of life and an increased risk of related diseases.
Obesity (overweight) is classified as a disease, yet patients often encounter prejudice and blame. A common belief is that it is about laziness and lack of self-discipline, and that the solution is simple: eat less and move more. The truth is far more complex – genetics, comorbidities and other medical treatments, access to healthy foods, economic circumstances, life situation and biological survival mechanisms, hormones and more all play a role and can counteract weight loss.
Yo-yo dieting and repeated diets have become part of life for many people. Weight loss is often temporary, and the statistics are unfortunately discouraging. 8 out of 10 people with obesity (overweight) who previously lost weight are unable to maintain the weight loss.
