Khaberni - Since January 5, 2026, the British government has begun to enforce a ban on advertising unhealthy foods (high in fats, salt, and sugar) on television before 9 PM and a total ban online, bringing the debate about the causes of obesity back to the forefront.
According to the «BBC» network, medical experts believe that tackling obesity is much more complex, backed by recent scientific research, and is not just a matter of personal will, with common phrases like «fat people just need to show more self-control» or «eat less and move more».
Common belief and scientific reality
In previous surveys published in prestigious medical journals like «The Lancet», about 8 out of 10 people in countries like Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States believe that obesity can be completely prevented by lifestyle changes alone. This view is even shared by some medical professionals, leading to the stigmatization of those with obesity.
However, nutritionist Penny Suresh, who has worked for over 20 years with overweight patients at the Cleveland Clinic in London, expresses frustration over this oversimplification.
She says: «I see enthusiastic and informed patients making continuous efforts, yet they still struggle, terms like «willpower» are inaccurate, as they ignore a large part of the picture».
The medical director at «Weight Watchers», Dr. Kim Boyd agrees, saying: «For decades, we advised people to eat less and move more, but obesity is a very complex condition, it goes beyond personal will».
Battle against biology and genes
Endocrinology consultant at the University of Cambridge and leader of genetic studies on obesity, Professor Sadaf Farooqi explains that genes significantly influence weight, and some genes alter the brain pathways responsible for hunger and satiety, such as the MC4R gene carried by about 20% of the world's population, increasing the desire to overeat.
She also pointed to other genes affecting the metabolic rate, where some gain more weight from the same amount of food, and Farooqi estimates the involvement of thousands of genes, with only about 30-40 of them being detailed so far.
Meanwhile, bariatric surgeon Andrew Jenkinson, author of «Why We Eat Too Much», explains the «set point theory», where the brain sets an «ideal» weight based on genes and environment.
He adds: Upon losing weight, hunger increases and metabolism slows down to recover it, as the hormone leptin, which informs the brain about energy stores, is hindered in the modern environment by high insulin. He notes that this «set point» can be gradually changed through improving sleep, reducing stress, and making sustainable habit changes.
The obese-causing environment
In related context, recent data confirms that while genes have not changed, obesity rates have dramatically increased. In Britain, over 60% of adults are overweight or obese (about 28% severely obese), mainly due to the abundance of cheap, high-calorie foods, along with aggressive advertising, large portions, and lack of activity.
Between personal and social
While Suresh confirms that obesity is not a moral failing but a complex chronic disease, some experts, like Professor Keith Frayn, warn against completely disregarding the role of willpower, referring to success stories of thousands who have lost weight and maintained it, describing it as «difficult but possible».
While some experts demand more government regulations, others like Christopher Snowden from the Institute of Economic Affairs consider it purely a matter of individual responsibility.
With the ban on advertising unhealthy foods, experts hope for a positive step, yet many see it as insufficient on its own to turn the tide.
