There are several hypotheses as to what is creating the obesity epidemic in the United States. Overweight or obese people (which is defined as having a BMI of 30 or greater) account for two-thirds of all Americans. Some experts estimate that if the current trends continue, the majority of Americans will be fat within the next decade. 

Many chronic disorders, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, are caused by obesity. Obesity affects almost every aspect of life, including depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, PCOS, infertility, and osteoarthritis. There's a lot of misinformation out there about obesity. Here is a list of four common myths about obesity that should be addressed ASAP.

1. Obesity develops as a result of negative lifestyle choices
The majority of obesity programs attribute obesity to poor dietary habits and a lack of physical activity. Obese persons are frequently accused of being "lazy" or lacking drive. While nutrition and lack of exercise may play a part in the rise in obesity, there are a number of other variables at play. The fact is that most individuals do not get enough physical activity on a daily basis.

Obesity isn't just a result of bad life choices for most people. Obesity is also influenced by stress, sleep health, hormones, chronic pain, underlying medical disorders, drugs, heredity, and a variety of other variables. As a result, obesity treatment must be personalized to the individual who has been diagnosed with the condition.

2. Obesity has no negative consequences on your overall health.
The truth is that obesity is linked to a number of medical issues. It raises the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and several mental issues. Even minor weight loss can have a positive impact on your health. 

Losing 5% to 10% of your total body weight will improve your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, among other things. Obese people may benefit from weight-loss programs since they may help them live longer. However, sudden weight loss can also cause certain complications. 

3. Medications will not help you in losing weight
Medications have a high success rate in weight loss. The FDA has approved a number of medications for weight loss. Phentermine helps patients lose weight by suppressing their appetite while they make lifestyle changes. It causes a little rise in their metabolic rate and calms the mind. 

Diethylpropion is a drug that is closely linked to amphetamines. However, it isn't addictive. Saxenda, which was first released as a diabetic medication, also works to calm the stomach-brain connection. In any case, it is essential to consult your doctor before taking any medications. 

4. It only takes effort to lose weight
It is important to understand that obesity is an illness, not a result of a lack of determination. It becomes more difficult be continue to be motivated as one approaches their weight-loss target. Many people give up because of this. Consulting a weight loss surgeon can be beneficial for people who can’t lose their weight without help.

Since we don't know when food will be available again, your brain has evolved to desire to eat anytime it comes across anything high in calories or nutrients. It's a caveman attitude, yet we don't live in times of starvation; instead, we live in a world full of high-calorie meals.

The bottom line
Obesity affects a large percentage of the population. The prejudice that currently surrounds this condition is ineffective and even harmful. That's why it should be discussed and eliminated. It will be easier to comprehend obesity if you can separate the truth from the myths. Knowing the facts about obesity can assist you in finding the treatment you require.