"Obesity stigma must be broken to truly address issue", says Essex woman

New insight shows obesity is more than a matter of weight – it is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions in the UK alone.

Leading weight loss expert, Dr Bryony Henderson, believes that obesity has become a public health crisis in the UK with widespread implications for individuals, the NHS, and society at large.

But, as many as three in five think that it is a choice, according to new research from weight loss experts Numan.

The study says: "Less than 10% recognise the impact of genetics"

The organisation has published ‘The State of Obesity Report’ which investigates the gap between public knowledge and the scientific truth on obesity.

It found: "There is a troubling disconnect between what obesity is and how it’s perceived with many still viewing it as a personal failing rather than a complex, multifaceted disease.

" The report highlights the pressing need for greater education in the UK around obesity and that it needs to be recognised - and treated - as a disease.

"The idea that obesity is a choice remains deeply entrenched in public opinion, and despite new research on the influence of socio-economic and genetic factors and global food industry practices, most Britons think that obesity is caused by bad decisions on the part of an individual."

Ava Grace, from Colchester, is a model, voice-over artist, dance teacher and mum to two young children.

She's also a Numan patient.

Ava tells us taking obesity management medication has "taken out the noise in her brain".

"Weight loss was key to my industry. But when I had kids, I wanted to make sure I didn't pass on those same hangups about food to my children.

"Medication has allowed me to support the behavioural change that I'm looking to achieve, particularly when it comes to my relationship with food, exercise and my body.

"If you've tried everything under the sun, like me, or maybe you've got a post-partum body, or you're an exhausted mother, I think medication is something that can assist you", says Ava.

Weight loss expert, Dr Henderson tells us "The good news is that we are at an inflection point when it comes to available treatments, with options only set to increase further as many are now in advanced clinical trials."

"Meanwhile, the future will see interventions targeting underlying causes rather than attempting a one-size-fits-all solutions, while also focussing on long-term management over short term fixes."

"But, these medical and scientific advances must be supported by a shift in public perception and improving understanding of obesity and weight loss."

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