Obesity remains an incompletely understood multifactorial disease. Genetics, ethnic risk factors, energy availability in modernized settings, and reduced energy expenditure can contribute to obesity. The effect of these various factors on individuals varies considerably. The effect of diet and exercise on weight loss varies significantly between individuals.
Laziness is not a cause of obesity. Reduced physical activity and sedentary lifestyles are linked to childhood and adult obesity. Increased screen times have been linked to childhood obesity. (Robinson,2017) However, the response of individuals to various lifestyle interventions including diet and exercise is highly variable. Various reasons are linked to a sedentary lifestyle in overweight persons: physical limitations due to weight, associated diseases like diabetes and hypertension, tiredness due to sleep apnea, poor access to appropriate weight loss methods (e.g., gym equipment which are not suitable), the social stigma associated with weight and body image dissatisfaction leading to social anxiety. Studies suggest that individuals who are less active are more prone to become overweight when compared to those who are alert and physically active.
So next time you come across a person with overweight, do not think they are lazy. They are not. Many of them have tried and are still trying extremely hard to lose weight. Let us support them.