The Truth About Obesity:
Breaking Down Myths and Misconceptions
Obesity is a complex and serious health issue that affects nearly one in three Canadians. Yet despite how common it is, many people still misunderstand what causes it. This lack of understanding often leads to stigma, shame, and bias.
By learning the real facts about obesity, we can start shifting the conversation from blame to support.
1. Obesity isn’t about willpower
A common misconception is that obesity results from poor choices or a lack of willpower. In reality, obesity is a chronic disease, similar to conditions like diabetes or asthma. It can persist over a lifetime and often requires ongoing medical care and support.
Far from a simple condition, obesity is influenced by a complex mix of genetics, biology, and environment, and not just the consequences of what someone eats or how much they move. In fact, up to 70% of a person’s risk for obesity is linked to genetics.
For individuals living with obesity, the brain systems that regulate hunger and energy can function differently. These biological factors create real barriers to weight loss that many people struggle to overcome.
2. BMI alone isn’t the best measurement
Despite changing medical practices, Body Mass Index (BMI) is still commonly used by healthcare providers to assess health. BMI is a simple calculation used to estimate whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.
However, BMI doesn’t tell the full story. It does not account for factors like muscle mass, body composition, or individual health differences.
Using a combination of tools and assessments provides a more accurate picture of a person’s health and helps guide better, more personalized care.
2. BMI alone isn’t the best measurement
Despite changing medical practices, Body Mass Index (BMI) is still commonly used by healthcare providers to assess health. BMI is a simple calculation used to estimate whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.
However, BMI doesn’t tell the full story. It does not account for factors like muscle mass, body composition, or individual health differences.
Using a combination of tools and assessments provides a more accurate picture of a person’s health and helps guide better, more personalized care.
3. Obesity can affect health in many ways
The impact of obesity on health can start earlier than many people realize. That’s why early prevention, diagnosis, and management are so important in reducing long-term risks.
Obesity can increase the risk of over 200 chronic conditions, including:
- cardiovascular disease
- type 2 diabetes
- respiratory disease
- cancer
Learn More: Take Control with Personalized Health Coaching for Chronic Care
Obesity can also have a significant impact on mental health, especially when individuals experience stigma, judgment, or bullying.
Common mental health challenges linked to obesity include:
- depression
- anxiety
- disordered eating
- low self-esteem
- negative self-talk
- body dissatisfaction
Recognizing and addressing these issues is essential to providing compassionate, whole-person care.
Learn more: Mental Health Services and Support
4. Weight stigma is real and harmful
Unfortunately, many individuals living with obesity face significant weight stigma, often rooted in harmful stereotypes and widespread misconceptions. Common but unfounded beliefs portray people with obesity as lazy, lacking discipline, or unintelligent. These biases are not only inaccurate but deeply damaging.
Research shows that more than half of Canadians living with obesity report experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation, and a reduced quality of life. The impact extends beyond personal wellbeing and influences employment opportunities, wages, and career advancement.
Even in healthcare settings, the problem persists. In fact, 64% of adults with obesity report experiencing weight bias from healthcare professionals. This often leads people to delay or avoid seeking care, not because they don’t need it, but because they fear judgment instead of receiving support.
Addressing weight stigma is essential, not just for improving individual health outcomes, but also to ensure more compassionate and effective treatments.
5. There are proven treatments
The good news is that obesity is treatable, and new options are helping people manage their weight and improve their overall health. Research supports three main approaches to obesity care:
- Behavioural therapy: This includes support like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), working with a dietitian, and receiving support to increase physical activity. These tools can help people build healthy habits and develop a better relationship with food and movement.
- Prescription medications: Several approved medications are available in Canada that can help reduce appetite, control cravings, and support metabolism. These are most effective when combined with other treatments and with regular follow-up.
- Surgical options: For people with severe obesity or related health problems, metabolic and bariatric surgery can be a powerful tool. Common procedures in Canada include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best treatment depends on each person’s unique needs, health history, and goals. Working with a healthcare provider can help you explore your options and find the right approach for you.
5. There are proven treatments
The good news is that obesity is treatable, and new options are helping people manage their weight and improve their overall health. Research supports three main approaches to obesity care:
- Behavioural therapy: This includes support like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), working with a dietitian, and receiving support to increase physical activity. These tools can help people build healthy habits and develop a better relationship with food and movement.
- Prescription medications: Several approved medications are available in Canada that can help reduce appetite, control cravings, and support metabolism. These are most effective when combined with other treatments and with regular follow-up.
- Surgical options: For people with severe obesity or related health problems, metabolic and bariatric surgery can be a powerful tool. Common procedures in Canada include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best treatment depends on each person’s unique needs, health history, and goals. Working with a healthcare provider can help you explore your options and find the right approach for you.
Let’s change the conversation
Obesity is not a personal failure. It’s a complex health condition that deserves understanding and support. When we take the time to learn the facts and challenge harmful myths, we help everyone feel respected and supported throughout their health journey, no matter their size.
Medavie Blue Cross can support you with a variety of services to keep you motivated and help you see real progress.
Connected Care
A powerful online health and wellness platform that offers health coaching, digital tools, and nutrition support.
Employee and Family Assistance Program
Access health and lifestyle coaching, nutritional support, and therapy, including internet-based CBT.
Personal Wellness Account
An employer-sponsored account that supports nutritional counselling, fitness, wellness programs, and more.
Blue Advantage
Save on health and wellness products and services across Canada.
Managing your weight isn’t easy, but with the right support, it’s possible. Your health plan is here to help you feel better, live longer, and enjoy life to the fullest.
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Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on August 12, 2025
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Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits and administers federal and provincial government-sponsored health programs. Together with Medavie Health Services, we are part of Medavie, a health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians. We are in the...