Today, more than ever, we have access to a wealth of information, resources and state-of-the-art technological equipment, which means that, in theory, all these advances should make us a more empathetic and open society. But unfortunately, it’s not happening as we imagine.
People facing obesity are often the target of stereotypes and prejudice. Although many people assume that obesity is the result of an unhealthy lifestyle or a lack of willpower, the reality is much more complex. The factors that trigger obesity are biological, psychological and social. Weight stereotypes and weight-loss surgery are still controversial. Why? Because, unfortunately, many of these misconceptions stem from a lack of knowledge.
The multidisciplinary team at the Doctor Dejeu Clinic has encountered many cases of patients who have been unfairly labeled. Many of them have confessed that people around them judged them solely based on their physical appearance or decisions related to surgery, without understanding the complexity of their situation.
Clinic specialists told us the most common stereotypes encountered in the bariatric world:
“He’s fat because he eats too much”
There are voices, and not a few, that say that overweight people have this problem simply because they eat too much. Indeed, diet plays an important role, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the only cause. Obesity is also the result of hormonal imbalances, metabolic or genetic disorders. But there are also situations where overeating is a response to emotional or psychological trauma (depression, anxiety or loneliness). And let’s not forget those people who have suffered emotional or physical abuse in childhood, who have faced material, financial and dietary deprivation, and over time have developed an unhealthy relationship with food, using it as an emotional refuge.
“He doesn’t do sport that’s why he’s fat”
Another labeling is related to the fact that people with obesity do not exercise or do sports and that lack of physical activity is the main cause of excessive weight.
Sport certainly helps to maintain balance in everyone’s life, and sedentary lifestyles are part of the equation. But simply increasing activity levels is not always enough to lose weight, especially for people who are severely overweight. Other factors also have a negative influence on a person’s ability to exercise. For example, joint pain, respiratory problems or other conditions associated with obesity can make exercise extremely difficult. In addition, some people suffer from chronic conditions that prevent movement.
There is also a close link between mental health and physical activity. People suffering from depression or severe anxiety are not sufficiently motivated to exercise. Lack of social support and fear of being judged at the gym or in public places contribute to isolation, and they may give up the idea of doing sport to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“If you have bariatric surgery, you don’t have to stress about overeating”
Some people think that bariatric surgery guarantees a “perfect” body and that once you’ve had it, all your weight problems disappear. But the reality is different.
Bariatric surgery is a highly effective and quick way to lose weight, but it does not automatically ensure that you maintain an ideal weight. After surgery, patients must follow a strict diet, eat a balanced diet and be actively involved in a healthy lifestyle. There are also cases where patients can regain weight loss if they do not follow post-operative medical advice.
Surgery does not cure the traumas or unhealthy habits that have contributed to obesity, so patients continue to need support from a specialized team (psychologists, nutritionists, dieticians).
Romania’s attempts to create a more inclusive and understanding society are to be applauded, but progress is slow, largely due to difficulties in educating people and combating misperceptions. Romania has many shortcomings in education and the lack of financial literacy and food education really shows.
The internationally recognized Doctor Dejeu Clinic has the most sought-after bariatric surgery team in Romania. Obesity is not just a problem of motivation or food choices, it is much more than that and we need to be aware of these things. This is why the multidisciplinary team of Doctor Dejeu not only treats obesity, but also offers personalized support to patients, helping them to overcome physical and emotional challenges.