Weight Gain: Not Just Calories! Experts Uncover Complex Metabolic Roots of Obesity

• Obesity is a multifaceted metabolic disorder, not merely a result of overeating or lack of exercise, influenced by genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
• Underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism, PCOS, insulin resistance, and certain medications (steroids, antidepressants) significantly contribute to weight gain.
• Experts Dr. Archana Pethe and Dr. Manoj Bharucha debunk the misconception that weight gain is simply a calorie balance issue, highlighting it as a complex hormone-regulated system.
• Rapid weight loss through strict diets can slow metabolism, leading to muscle loss while fat remains, and often results in weight regain.
• Effective management requires personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle changes, medical nutrition, counseling, pharmacotherapy, or bariatric surgery, focusing on the root cause.