Moving Beyond the Blame
For years, people living with obesity haven’t just carried extra weight — they’ve also carried blame. In families, workplaces, and even healthcare settings, weight gain has often been wrongly seen as a personal failure. Patients have told me how often they’ve heard things like, “Just eat less,” or “Try walking more.”
But here’s the truth: many of these individuals have already tried — over and over again. They’ve followed diets, joined gyms, pushed through hunger, and stayed disciplined… only to watch the weight come back. Instead of receiving support, they’re met with judgment.
This stigma remains one of the biggest gaps in obesity care. What’s needed is not shame, but understanding — that obesity is not about weakness or lack of willpower. It’s about biology.
Obesity Is Medical — And So Is the Solution. Let’s Find the Right One for You.
What We Know Now: The Science Has Changed
In the past 20 years, research has completely reshaped how we understand obesity. It’s now officially recognized as a chronic, relapsing disease by major health authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO). [1]
That shift is critical — because it means obesity isn’t just about eating too much or exercising too little. It involves complex systems in the body that regulate hunger, metabolism, energy use, and fat storage.
The Biology Behind Obesity
Here’s a look at what really drives obesity — beyond what we see on the surface:
1. Hormonal Signals
Hormones like GLP-1, leptin, and ghrelin control how hungry or full we feel. In people with obesity, these signals often go off balance. After weight loss, for example, the body increases hunger hormones and reduces fullness signals — making it harder to maintain progress. [2]
2. Brain Regulation
The hypothalamus in our brain acts like a thermostat for body weight. Once obesity develops, the body often defends a higher “set point,” making long-term weight loss incredibly difficult.
3. Genetics and Environment
Some people are biologically more prone to gaining weight. Add in modern challenges — like fast food, sedentary jobs, poor sleep, and stress — and it becomes the perfect storm for weight gain. [3]
Bottom line: It’s not just about willpower — it’s how your body is wired.
Why Healthy Habits Aren’t Always Enough
Healthy eating, physical activity, good sleep, and stress management are essential for everyone — and they absolutely help. But for many with obesity, these efforts alone can’t overcome strong biological resistance to weight loss.
Research shows that most people regain weight within years of dieting. Not because they didn’t try hard enough — but because their body works against them, pushing them back to their previous weight. [2]
This is why medical treatments that work with the body’s biology — not against it — are so important.
Have questions about managing weight with medical support? Our expert can help guide you.
A New Tool: Semaglutide
One of the most promising advances in obesity treatment has been the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Semaglutide.
How it works:
Semaglutide mimics the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and digestion. It:
- Slows down how quickly the stomach empties
- Reduces hunger
- Helps the brain reset how it interprets hunger and fullness signals
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The research
In large clinical trials, people using semaglutide alongside lifestyle changes lost 15–20% of their body weight over 68 weeks — far more than with diet and exercise alone. [4]
Other benefits:
- Improved blood sugar levels
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- Reduced risk factors for heart disease
Note: Like all medications, semaglutide should only be used under medical supervision.
What You Can Do
If you’re struggling with your weight despite your best efforts, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You are not to blame. Obesity is a medical condition, not a personal failure.
- Explore your options. Along with lifestyle changes, there are effective treatments like semaglutide — and sometimes, surgery may be appropriate.
- Get personalized care. Every person’s journey is different. Your doctor can help you find the right combination of tools and support.
Looking Forward
Science is helping us move away from outdated ideas and toward a deeper understanding of obesity. Treatments like semaglutide — can be powerful tools that can support long-term success when combined with healthy habits and emotional support.
Disclaimer: This article is an editorial initiative by Tata 1mg for Novo Nordisk. The information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Weight loss medications use should be individualized and should be taken under guidance of a doctor. Please note that Tata 1mg does not endorse any brands and is not responsible for their efficacy.
References
[1] World Health Organization. One in eight people are now living with obesity [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2024 Mar 1 [cited 2025 Jul 2]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/01-03-2024-one-in-eight-people-are-now-living-with-obesity
[2] Sumithran P, Prendergast LA, Delbridge E, Purcell K, Shulkes A, Kriketos A, Proietto J. Long-term persistence of hormonal adaptations to weight loss. N Engl J Med. 2011 Oct 27;365(17):1597–604. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22029981/
[3] Albuquerque D, Nóbrega C, Manco L, Padez C. The contribution of genetics and environment to obesity. Br Med Bull. 2017 Sep 1;123(1):159–73. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28910990/
[4] Wilding JPH er al; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/