Guwahati, Feb. 22 -- Samantha Withnell, Western University and Lindsay Bodell, Western University

Up to 72 per cent of women and 61 per cent of men are dissatisfied with their weight or body image, according to a U.S. study. Globally, millions of people attempt to lose weight every year with the hope that weight loss will have positive effects on their body image, health and quality of life.

However, these motivated individuals often struggle to maintain new diets or exercise regimens. The rise of medications such as semaglutides, like Ozempic or Wegovy, might be viewed as an appealing "quick fix" alternative to meet weight loss goals.

Research led by our team and others suggests that such attempts to lose weight often do more harm tha...