5 Eye-opening Weight Bias Misconceptions That Fuel Misinformation

With growing attention on obesity medicine, we’ve seen an increase in weight-loss misconceptions—particularly around GLP-1 medications. As leaders in health, it’s our responsibility to address these myths with clear, science-backed information that prioritizes the well-being of those we serve. At Wondr Health, we are committed to educating about obesity medicine and helping remove weight bias from treatment. Let’s look at some common misconceptions and clarify what it really takes to support sustainable, effective care for those living with obesity.

WEIGHT BIAS MISCONCEPTION 1: Drug holidays can be beneficial for GLP-1s.

There has been a lot of chatter recently about GLP-1 “drug holidays” – when someone intentionally stops taking their medication for a period of time. A strong word of caution when considering “drug holidays” – cost containment is not a clinical indication for a drug holiday. It’s important to remember that obesity is a chronic condition, similar to hypertension and diabetes. You wouldn’t take a drug holiday from your hypertension or diabetes medicine, would you? Why would it be any different with weight loss? Medication breaks aren’t something to be taken lightly – one study found that semaglutide recipients regained two-thirds of their lost weight within 12 months of stopping treatment.

WEIGHT BIAS MISCONCEPTION 2: Pharmacological treatments are new to obesity.

GLP-1s aren’t new – they have 30+ years of solid type 2 diabetes treatment research. But this isn’t just about GLP-1s. There’s also an entire spectrum of non-GLP-1 weight-loss medications that have been used for a very long time. The spotlight has been on the most recent expanded indications for GLP-1s, but it’s important to acknowledge that we’re building on a sound foundation of pharmacological research.

WEIGHT BIAS MISCONCEPTION 3: Behavioral change and support can take a backseat to GLP-1s.

There’s no doubt that GLP-1s can be life changing. Many people who qualify for FDA-approved GLP-1s have tried multiple diets or programs for years without losing weight. For some, early weight loss from GLP-1s can be a catalyst to taking additional steps to improve their health, such as diet changes, increased physical activity, and more. But here’s the thing: weight loss alone isn’t the goal. Sustainable weight loss is, and it’s what leads to long-term health improvements and increased quality of life. A foundation of behavioral change and support is key and why Wondr Health begins with comprehensive lifestyle intervention to address the root cause of obesity and deliver long-term outcomes.

WEIGHT BIAS MISCONCEPTION 4: Everyone can taper off of GLP-1s when they reach their goal weight.

Many assume GLP-1s can be stopped once a weight goal is met, but obesity is a biological condition that doesn’t go away with a one-time fix. For example, losing weight can actually heighten hunger hormones and slow metabolism, which means maintenance isn’t easy. The majority of people that have lost a substantial amount of weight will need lifelong treatment, similar to diabetes or hypertension. So, how can organizations balance quality care with cost containment? By ensuring their solutions include three key elements: 1. tailored prescribing based on individual factors using the full range of medications (not just GLP-1s), 2. a stepped approach to treatment, and 3. a foundation of behavioral change and support for both weight loss and maintenance.

WEIGHT BIAS MISCONCEPTION 5: Obesity science is new.

Obesity research is far from new. Decades of studies, spanning from behavioral interventions to bariatric procedures to medications, have given us valuable insights into weight loss and maintenance. GLP-1 medications are in the spotlight now, but they’re just one option in a toolkit full of other well-documented methods such as non-GLP-1 weight-loss medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical options. There’s a wealth of treatment knowledge that shouldn’t be overlooked just because the conversation has shifted.

Each of these myths that we’ve explored reveals a deeper issue: our societal tendency to underestimate obesity as a serious, chronic condition deserving of the same rigorous care as other health conditions. At Wondr Health, we are committed to challenging weight bias and advocating for science-backed, equitable treatment options. Together, we can foster a more supportive environment for those impacted by obesity, ensuring that everyone receives the care that they deserve.