Overcoming Obesity Stigma

By Dr. Coleen Andruss, Healthy Lifestyles

I have been in the weight loss business for nearly thirty years. People who have joined my health and wellness weight loss program have had a variety of medical issues, but weight bias and stigma have been universal issues for everyone that has struggled or is struggling with their weight. Being overweight is challenging emotionally, mentally, physically, and medically.

There is a common misconception that those who struggle with obesity are lazy and lack willpower. Obesity is a chronic, complex disease that needs treatment, not a diet. It requires a change in lifestyle and thinking, but these changes can’t happen without education.

To lose weight, you must put yourself first. You are important, and your weight-loss journey is and will be as individual as you are. For many, dieting fails and regaining weight is common. Yo-yo dieting often affects the mind as well as the body, creating selfdoubt and slowing the metabolism.

When obesity is not due to other underlying health issues, 85–90 percent of fat loss is about food. You cannot out-exercise a bad diet. Pure willpower cannot make this disease go away. You must have a long-term plan that includes dedicated lifestyle changes, education and knowledge, and accountability. Self-monitoring, tracking, coaching, exercise, and behavioral changes must be present.

There are peaks and valleys in life, and the same thing is true about weight loss. Losing weight and keeping it off is a lifetime commitment. The weight will not come off overnight, so the best way to lose weight is with slow, moderate changes on a regular basis. Rather than think about dropping weight rapidly, the thought process should be about nourishing your body back to health and to a healthy weight. Moderation is key.

You also must recognize your issues. You cannot correct these issues unless you have an understanding of what needs to change. Are you an overeater? Do you make poor food choices? Are you making high-calorie meals for your family that tempt you? Do you lack the support of family and friends? Are you living a sedentary lifestyle? Are you a binge eater or a closet eater? Do you purge your food after eating a large meal? If you don’t come to terms with your issues, you will never change long term.

Obesity is a psychological, medical, metabolic, and hormonal disease. Along with education, treating a disease effectively may require medication—sometimes multiple medications—or the use of supplements to help the body work more efficiently.

Aggressive treatment for obesity has a stigma associated with it that goes beyond diet and exercise. A large part of the population, including some health professionals, see the use of medications and/or supplements as the “easy way out.” Those who are quick to tell an obese person to simply eat less and exercise more have no concept about what it feels like to be overweight because they have never been overweight themselves. They can be quick to criticize those who struggle. This is a very personal issue for me, as I used to weigh close to 200 pounds. I know from my own experience the amount of work and dedication required to maintain a normal weight, and it is not without ups and downs. Having made this journey, I want people who struggle with weight loss to experience the same feelings that I experienced when I was able to reach my goals.

Energy and a positive mental attitude come with weight loss. When that mental energy appears, it is easier to become active and do more. Sleep typically improves. Many medical issues improve, such as indigestion and reflux, joint aches and pains, neck and back discomfort, bloating, and water retention. Sometimes, medical diseases (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and fatty liver) improve or even disappear. Being able to eventually get off some prescribed medications is a great motivator for losing weight.

To make this happen, we sometimes have to use weight loss medications or supplements. Obesity medications get a bad rap, but they are not the easy way out. As long as a person is dedicated to a change in lifestyle while using medications, they can be used as a tool, not as a crutch. Can obesity medications or surgery be risky in certain situations? Absolutely. But remaining obese is a risk. If a person is at high risk for other diseases associated with obesity and a lifestyle change and the aggressive use of medications is not working, they may decide on obesity surgery. While it is costly and comes with risks, it may be the wisest choice as they consider the risks of remaining obese.

I cannot stress enough the importance of knowledge and education. You cannot make an informed decision about obesity treatment unless you understand the situation. The mental health aspect of weight loss is absolutely critical. If you are struggling with your weight, talk to a professional who can be empathetic and who can educate and teach you. This is your life, and it’s the only life on earth you will have. Enjoy it while feeling healthy, and get over the stigma of being overweight and seeking treatment for the problem. Get help now!

About the Author

Dr. Coleen Andruss practiced as an internist for ten years and has specialized in weight management for twenty-six years. She and her staff have personally experienced weight management issues and have a compassionate understanding of patients in the Healthy Lifestyles program. Dr. Andruss’s internal medicine background helps her to see underlying medical problems when formulating individual plans that work.

Dr. Coleen Andruss