We don’t have a cure for obesity. While many will diet, exercise, and thus, lose weight - keeping that weight off is where the real struggle lies. In this compelling and humorous talk, Dr. Sharma explores the complex biology behind weight loss and regain, and why obesity should be managed as a chronic disease rather than as a personal failure. Arya M. Sharma is Professor and Chair in Obesity Research and Management at the University of Alberta as well as Medical Director of the Alberta Health Services Provincial Obesity Strategy. In 2005, he spearheaded the launch of the Canadian Obesity Network, which has remarkably transformed the landscape of obesity research and management in Canada. His research focuses on innovative approach to managing obese patients and includes the development of the Edmonton Obesity Staging System. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx