A Dutch professor has stated that going on a diet is not a treatment for obesity, according to a report by bnr.nl. The remarks were published on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The professor’s argument, as reported by the Dutch outlet, challenges the common assumption that weight loss through calorie restriction alone can address the underlying medical condition. The statement implies that obesity requires a more comprehensive medical approach rather than relying solely on patient-driven dietary changes.
According to bnr.nl, the professor’s position distinguishes between short-term weight loss and the clinical management of obesity as a chronic disease. This view aligns with a broader medical consensus that obesity is a complex condition involving metabolic, genetic, and environmental factors, not simply a matter of willpower or eating habits.
The report does not specify which professor made the statement or the exact context of the remarks, such as a conference or interview. It also does not detail what alternative treatments the professor might recommend, though the implication is that professional medical intervention is necessary.
This is not the first time experts have pushed back against the idea that dieting is a cure for obesity. Previous studies and public health guidelines have increasingly emphasized that sustained weight management often requires medical supervision, behavioral therapy, or pharmacological support.
What to watch next: Whether Dutch health authorities will adjust public guidance on obesity treatment in response to this academic criticism, and whether other medical experts will publicly support or dispute the professor’s claim in the coming weeks.
