There are countless misconceptions and social stigmas surrounding obesity and weight loss. Ken Hall, CEO of Medi-Weightloss, is here to break them down.
Ken Hall
CEO, Medi-Weightloss
What are the current stigmas surrounding obesity, and how can we start to shift these?
One of the most prevalent stigmas is the belief that obesity is solely the result of poor self-control or laziness. This oversimplified view ignores the complex interplay of factors such as genetics, metabolism, environment, and mental health.
One of the most effective ways to combat stigma is through education. This involves educating the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about the complex factors that contribute to obesity. Highlighting that obesity is a chronic, multifactorial medical condition — rather than a lifestyle choice — can help change perceptions. Using respectful and person-first language, such as “person with obesity” rather than “obese person,” can make a significant difference in reducing stigma. This approach emphasizes the person rather than defining them by their condition and shifts the focus from blaming individuals to understanding the condition as a medical issue that requires appropriate care.
What is the biggest mistake people are currently making when it comes to weight management?
One of the biggest mistakes people make in weight management is not consulting an expert and trying to lose weight alone. Weight loss is a challenging journey, and having support and guidance from healthcare professionals significantly improves your chances of success. Working with an expert, like those at Medi-Weightloss, provides access to a personalized plan based on unique medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. Weight loss medications can be a valuable tool for many individuals struggling with obesity, but only when used under medical supervision and in conjunction with a structured and comprehensive program.
Many individuals turn to restrictive diets or intense workout regimens that are difficult to maintain and often lead to yo-yo dieting. This can result in frustration, feelings of failure, and potentially even worse health outcomes over time. The key to successful weight management lies in creating a balanced, personalized plan that incorporates healthy eating, regular physical activity, behavior modification, and, when appropriate, interventions like weight loss medication. It’s important to set realistic goals, follow the clinical process, and understand that small, consistent changes lead to significant long-term results that last.
How can people take a more holistic approach to weight loss to improve their long-term health?
A holistic approach to weight loss involves addressing not just the physical aspects, but also the emotional, mental, and social factors that contribute to well-being. At Medi-Weightloss, our mission is to empower patients in their pursuit of wellness through weight loss. This means looking beyond just the number on the scale and focusing on overall health improvements. Notably, our clinical outcomes have proven that healthy and meaningful weight loss leads to improved lipid profiles and reduced blood pressure, which in turn has been proven to significantly lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
Maintaining weight can be more challenging than losing it due to physiological adaptations, psychological factors, and environmental influences. Having a plan in place for maintenance is important. Select a weight loss partner or program that emphasizes education, sustainable habits, ongoing monitoring, and expert support to make long-term weight maintenance achievable.
