WEIGHING IN ON HOW TO MANAGE OBESITY

Obesity. It seems straight- forward, right? In a society where physical ap- pearance is highly valued, obesity is often misunderstood as simply a lack of willpower or self- discipline to eat less and move more.

- LAI S. REYES

But if it were really that simple, why hasn't anything changed? Is it truly about willpower or is there something more complex at play?

OBESITY IS A CHRONIC DISEASE

People living with obesity are often shamed and blamed for their condition. This happens because many including some healthcare professionals fail to understand that obesity is a chronic disease, not merely a result of poor choices or chance.

Just like other chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease, obesity involves changes in how the body functions. Recognizing it as a disease allows us to move away from outdated stereotypes and toward a better understanding rooted in science.

Obesity is caused by a combination of factors: genetics, medical conditions, metabolic differences, and psychosocial influences like stress, anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.

Add to that poor diet and lifestyle habits, and the picture becomes much more complex.