Around two-thirds of the UK adult population are living with overweight and obesity; this is something that affects a lot of people. We know that there are links between having excess body fat and the risk of developing further medical problems, which can affect every body system. There is no single reason why a person develops overweight or obesity: factors such as genetics, environment, stress, sleep, medical background and previous nutrition all play a role in determining an individual’s body weight. Similarly, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to weight loss.
What makes weight loss difficult?
A popular phrase within the weight loss industry is ‘Eat less, move more’. With more and more emerging research, we are understanding that weight loss is far more complex than this. The way that our body regulates appetite and the feeling of fullness changes when there is excess fat tissue over a long period of time. The genetics we inherit from our parents also influence the way our body signals hunger or fullness, and how it stores fat. Even with all the willpower in the world, our biology can stack the odds against us, making weight loss even more difficult. This can result in something commonly known as ‘yo-yo dieting’, where body weight is lost then regained, over and over in a cycle pattern, usually resulting in an overall increase in body weight over time.
Often overlooked, mental health and motivation are also major players when it comes to body weight and weight loss. How we feel directly influences our behaviours and lifestyle. Studies show that aspects like stress and poor sleep can play a significant role in how we navigate food and self-care throughout the day and also affect the way that our bodies respond to these changes.
Every person is different, and so every weight loss journey is also different. What works well for some may not work well for others. When looking to make supportive changes, it is important to remember that these changes have to work for you, your body and your lifestyle to be effective and long-lasting. And habits that support our health are dynamic, as we grow and our life circumstances change with time, sometimes priorities and strategies need to be adapted.
What our clinical experts say
Making changes to health and habits doesn’t have to be something you carry alone. With the right professional support, and for some people, the added support of GLP-1 medications, change can feel more achievable, more compassionate, and better suited to real life. If you’re curious about what this kind of support could look like for you, Genwell offers personalised care to help you explore your options. We've got you.
Bogomila Tosheva
Genwell reflections
Living with overweight or obesity is common in the UK, and achieving weight loss is difficult for a number of complex reasons.
- The biology of appetite regulation can stack the odds against us
- There are lots of factors that determine bodyweight, including our genetics, environment, medical background, lifestyle, stress and sleep
- Different strategies for weight loss work for different people; weight loss is a dynamic process which benefits greatly from tailored and professional support
- Weight loss medications such as GLP-1 medications can be a powerful tool to help people lose weight, alongside making other healthy changes with support