{
  "id": 1639841,
  "title": "Why obesity is not simply about willpower",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/why-obesity-is-not-simply-about-willpower",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-18T05:02:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/advertorial/why-obesity-not-simply-about-willpower-6255261"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Obesity is not merely a matter of willpower, according to an endocrinologist. The complex interplay of biology, genetics, and environment contributes to the challenge of losing weight. Adjunct associate professor Sue-Anne Toh, a senior consultant endocrinologist, explains that body weight regulation involves hormones, the brain, and metabolism. Disruptions in this system can make it harder to manage hunger, fullness, and energy usage. Patients often experience persistent hunger, a sensation of not feeling full, and changes in how the brain perceives food, increasing cravings. The body may also conserve energy more efficiently, burning fewer calories for the same level of activity. These factors make weight loss and maintenance more difficult than simply eating less and exercising more. Obesity can lead to serious health issues such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, fatty liver disease, sleep apnoea, and certain cancers. It can also diminish quality of life due to reduced mobility, joint pain, fatigue, and mental well-being. Treating obesity as a chronic disease necessitates ongoing care, similar to other conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Weight loss can trigger the body to perceive stress or starvation, potentially causing it to regain lost weight. Hormones that stimulate hunger may rise while those signalling fullness fall, and metabolic rates often slow, making it harder to maintain weight loss. Understanding obesity as a chronic condition helps shift the focus from blame to compassionate, evidence-based care. It encourages patients to recognise the need for long-term management rather than quick fixes. While diet and exercise remain crucial, new medications and multidisciplinary approaches offer more comprehensive solutions. Advancements in treatments, such as newer GLP-1-based medicines, can lead to greater and more sustained weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. However, no single intervention guarantees success. Sustainable weight management requires a multi-faceted approach, including medical treatment, nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural strategies. Reducing stigma surrounding obesity is equally important, as seeking help is a proactive step towards better health. If you're concerned about your weight, consult a healthcare professional to develop a personalised long-term management plan.",
  "summary": "From hormones and metabolism to newer medicines, an endocrinologist explains why losing weight is often more complex than simply eating less and exercising more.",
  "key_points": [
    "Obesity results from biology, genetics, and environment, not just willpower.",
    "Disruptions in hormones, brain, and metabolism hinder weight management.",
    "Treating obesity as a chronic disease requires long-term, compassionate care."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Treating obesity as a chronic disease with ongoing care and compassionate, evidence-based approaches can help shift the focus from blame to long-term management and more effective weight loss.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}