5 Principles That Could Change How We Treat (and Talk About) Weight: Rethinking Obesity
For too long, obesity has been misunderstood as a lifestyle issue, a failure of willpower, or simply a matter of eating too much.
But science tells us something very different.
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease, and it deserves care, compassion, and evidence-based treatment.
That is the message of a new global position statement from the International Obesity Collaborative (IOC) endorsed by dozens of leading medical organizations across the world. [1]
Let’s break down these 5 core principles and what they mean for anyone navigating weight loss today, especially with tools like GLP-1 medications and gut health support from Forte80™.
1. Obesity Is a Chronic Disease - Not a Choice
Obesity is not just about food or willpower. It is a long-term medical condition, just like high blood pressure or diabetes.
- It cannot be “cured” with a single simple diet.
- It requires ongoing care and management.
- It is linked to over 200 other health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. [2]
And just like other chronic conditions, the goal is not perfection, but progress, health, and quality of life. The right strategy for one person might be the wrong one for another!
2. Obesity Is Driven by Biology, Not Failure
People do not “choose” obesity. It results from powerful biological factors like genetics, hormones, metabolism, and even gut bacteria. [3]
- Losing weight triggers the body to increase hunger hormones, slow down metabolism, and encourage weight regain.
- Weight regain is not a lack of discipline – it is a physiological response. Your own body is fighting against you.
That is why long-term weight loss is so hard. And that is why many people benefit from supportive medications like GLP-1s and gut health interventions like Forte80™.
3. The Effects of Obesity Start Early and Compound Over Time
Obesity’s health impacts begin early in life and the longer they go unmanaged, the harder it can be to reverse complications like: [4]
- Fatigue.
- Joint pain.
- Sleep disorders.
- Mental health challenges.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular disease.
That is why early intervention matters - not just to lose weight, but to protect energy, confidence, and future well-being.
4. Obesity Is Treatable and So Much More Than Weight Loss
There are now multiple evidence-based tools for treating obesity: [5]
- Behavioural therapy.
- Diet and exercise.
- Medications like GLP-1s (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro).
- Bariatric procedures (for some).
But obesity care is not just about weight loss. It is about improving metabolic health, reducing risk of the many co-morbidities, supporting sleep, mood, energy and helping people feel better in their bodies. It is about your health and happiness.
5. Weight Bias Is Real - and Harmful
Many people living with obesity face stigma, judgment, and shame, also in healthcare settings.
This stigma can:
- Delay treatment.
- Lower self-esteem.
- Reduce quality of life.
- Lead to worse outcomes, even when care is available.
Everyone deserves respectful, person-centred care, no matter their disease, size, or BMI. And no one should be made to feel guilty for seeking help, using medication, or asking for support to lose weight.
What This Means for You
If you are using GLP-1 medication or thinking about it, you are not taking the “easy way out.” You are choosing to treat a real medical condition. And that choice should be supported, not judged.
But we also know that GLP-1s can be hard on the gut. Bloating, constipation, nausea, and reflux are all common, often making people to stop before the medication can work.[6] Gut health is health! And weight loss is about health and happiness, so you should not be put down or feel back because of the side effects of GLP-1 treatment.
Where Forte80™ Fits In
Forte80™ is a probiotic designed for people using GLP-1s. Its role is to support gut balance and comfort as you pursue your health goals.
With 80 billion CFUs and clinically selected strains, Forte80™ helps to:
- Relieve GI side effects like nausea, constipation, reflux, and bloating.
- Support microbial diversity during reduced food intake.
- Improve energy, regularity, and digestion.
- Help you stay consistent and happier on your weight loss journey.
Because a healthier gut means a healthier you! And more likely to stay on therapy and see real results.
Final Thought: Obesity Deserves Serious, Compassionate Care
These 5 principles are more than a scientific statement – they are a call to action.
- Treat obesity with the respect it deserves.
- Offer tools, support, and empathy, not shame.
- Prioritise health and happiness, not numbers on a scale.
- And support the whole person, including their gut health.
You are not alone. Your care matters. And your journey is valid.
Learn more about Forte80™
References:
- International Obesity Collaborative (IOC). The 5 Principles of Obesity. Obesity Society, 2024.
- Yumuk V.,et al. European Guidelines for Obesity Management in Adults. Obesity Facts, 8(6):402–424. 2015.
- Loos R.J.F., et al. The genetics of obesity: from discovery to biology. Nature Reviews Genetics. 22(2):120–133. 2021.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Health Risks of Overweight & Obesity. 2025.
- Bannuru R.R. Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity-2025. Obesity, 33(5):1234–1260. 2025.
- Catanese L. GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drug side effects. Harvard Health Publishing. 2024.
