Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is using World Obesity Day (4 March) to highlight that weight loss is not the same for everyone and is often influenced by factors beyond diet and exercise alone.
Obesity is shaped by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental influences, which means people experience weight gain and weight loss differently. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.5 billion adults aged 18 years and older are overweight, including over 890 million adults who are living with obesity.
“Obesity is recognised as a chronic, relapsing medical condition, not a personal failure or a lack of willpower,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
Understanding this distinction is key to reducing stigma and helping people access appropriate care.
Obesity Is Not Just About Lifestyle Choices
For many years, weight loss has been presented as a simple matter of eating less and exercising more. While healthy eating and regular physical activity are important for overall well-being, this message does not reflect the full picture.
Medical research shows that multiple factors, including genetics, hormones, metabolism, mental health, sleep patterns, medications, and social circumstances, influence obesity. This explains why two people can follow a similar diet and exercise routine yet see very different results.
Genetics and Metabolism Play a Role
Genetics can affect how the body stores fat, regulates appetite, and uses energy. Some people are naturally more prone to gaining weight or find it harder to lose weight due to inherited traits.
Metabolism also differs from person to person. When weight is lost, the body may respond by slowing its energy use and increasing hunger signals. This natural response can make it difficult to maintain weight loss over time and helps to explain why weight regain is a common occurrence.
Hormones and Weight Regulation
Hormones have a significant impact on appetite, fat storage, and energy balance. Hormones such as insulin, leptin, ghrelin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones all play a role in influencing body weight.
Health conditions such as insulin resistance or thyroid disorders can make weight loss more challenging, even when someone is eating well and staying active. Ongoing stress can also increase cortisol levels, which may lead to increased appetite and fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Mental health and weight are closely connected. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic stress can influence eating habits, sleep quality, and motivation to stay active.
Emotional eating, fatigue, and disrupted sleep are common responses to stress and can make weight management more difficult. At the same time, stigma and judgment around body weight can discourage people from seeking help, making long-term change more difficult to achieve.
Medications and Underlying Health Conditions
Certain medications, including some antidepressants, corticosteroids, and treatments for chronic conditions, can contribute to weight gain or slow down weight loss.
Medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnoea are also linked to changes in weight and can complicate weight management. In these cases, medical guidance is important to ensure that care is safe and effective.
Why Stigma Can Delay Care
Despite growing awareness, people living with obesity often experience stigma and oversimplified advice. This can prevent individuals from seeking medical support or continuing care when progress feels slow.
World Obesity Day highlights the importance of shifting away from blame and towards understanding and evidence-based care. Obesity is a health condition that benefits from early support and long-term management.
A Health-Focused Approach to Weight Management
Effective weight management focuses on improving overall health rather than achieving rapid weight loss. Even modest, sustained changes can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and other chronic conditions.
A supportive medical approach may include:
- Identifying underlying health issues.
- Reviewing medications.
- Addressing mental and emotional well-being.
- Setting realistic, achievable goals.
- Providing ongoing monitoring and support.
World Obesity Day: Supporting Better Health Outcomes
World Obesity Day reminds us that managing obesity requires understanding, education, and access to appropriate care. Affinity Health supports this approach by offering access to professional medical guidance through unlimited Telehealth GP consultations, managed doctor visits, and ongoing care to help members address obesity and related health risks safely and sustainably.
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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