Apples and Oranges: Separating Lifestyle Behavior and Obesity Conversations

The phrase “apples and oranges” is defined as comparing “things that are very different”. This phrase and its meaning apply to the differences between lifestyle behaviors, such as physical activity and nutrition, and obesity. Physical activity and healthy nutrition as behaviors are very different from obesity as a disease and, when obesity is considered as a “self-inflicted” condition due to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, we are incorrectly comparing “things that are very different”. Conversations should begin with highlighting evidence demonstrating that adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors leads to significant health benefits irrespective of weight loss.