Addressing Misconceptions in Obesity: Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches Podcast By Annenberg Center for Health Sciences cover art

Addressing Misconceptions in Obesity: Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Addressing Misconceptions in Obesity: Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

By: Annenberg Center for Health Sciences
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The management of persons with obesity is challenging, made even greater due to the numerous myths and misconceptions among patients and clinicians. For example, “Obesity is a choice, not a disease.” “Weight loss of at least 10% is needed for any health benefit.” “Drugs should not be used because weight will only be regained once they are discontinued.” Science and clinical experience, however, tell us otherwise.Annenberg Center for Health Sciences
Episodes
  • Approved Obesity Medications and Role of Adjunctive Lifestyle Modifications

    Approved Obesity Medications and Role of Adjunctive Lifestyle Modifications
    Jul 17 2025
    • Safety and efficacy of FDA-approved obesity medications and role of lifestyle modifications
    • Myth: “Drugs should not be used to treat obesity, because weight will only be regained once weight-loss medications are discontinued”
    • Myth: “All long-term weight-loss medications provide similar weight loss”
    • Myth: “Lifestyle modifications are not as important once a weight-loss medication is started
    • Myth: “Selection of a weight-loss medication is based solely on its weight loss efficacy
    • Misconception: “Obesity medications obtained online are safe and effective”
    • Interprofessional, multidisciplinary support
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    18 mins
  • Treatment Overview: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Treatment Approaches for Obesity

    Treatment Overview: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Treatment Approaches for Obesity
    Jul 17 2025
    • Myth: “Low fat diets are the best way to reduce body fat”
    • Myth: “Increased physical exercise is the most effective way to reduce body weight
    • Behavior modification
    • Myth: “Vitamins and herbal supplements are effective in achieving weight reduction”
    • Myth: “Bariatric surgery is considered the ‘easy way out’ and reserved for patients who are failures and ‘cheaters’ and is too dangerous for everyone else”
    • Key principles of pharmacological management
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    28 mins
  • Goals and Expectations of Obesity Treatment

    Goals and Expectations of Obesity Treatment
    Jul 17 2025
    • Benefits of treating obesity as a disease
    • Myth: “Weight loss of at least 10% over 6 months is needed for any health benefit”
    • Myth: “Slow and gradual weight reduction is ultimately more effective than large and rapid weight loss”
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    17 mins
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