Obesity is a Disease: Challenging 4 Negative Beliefs
You may have heard people say that obesity is a disease. Is this true, and what does it mean for obesity to be a disease?
We will explore these questions and discuss the implications of this designation. We will also examine the damaging myths about obesity and how recognizing it as a disease can help dispel them.
Defining a Disease; Obesity is Considered a Disease
First, let’s define what it means for something to be a disease. A disease is a medical condition that causes dysfunction in the body and has identifiable symptoms. It also has underlying causes that can be treated through medical intervention.
So, why did the American Medical Association formally recognize obesity as a disease in 2013?
Research shows that obesity has harmful effects on the body, such as increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It also has identifiable symptoms, including a high body mass index (BMI) and excess body fat. And while genetics and lifestyle choices can contribute to obesity, there are underlying causes that can be treated through medical intervention, such as medication or surgery.
Challenging Negative Beliefs
Recognizing obesity as a disease can also challenge negative beliefs about weight and provide hope for successful treatment. It’s often seen as a matter of personal choice or laziness, but the truth is that it’s a complex issue.
Understanding this designation can help dispel these misconceptions and show that having obese does not make someone weak or a bad person. It simply means that they have something affecting them more than others, and treatment can help.
The top 4 myths of obesity debunked:
1) It's Not a Question of Willpower
If you are overweight or have obesity, it does not mean you are weak, lazy or lack willpower. Because American society has historically shown weight bias, it can be easy to think something is wrong with you if you are overweight and not good enough. However, as mentioned before, it’s a complex disease with underlying causes and factors such as genetics and lifestyle choices.
2) Obesity is Not an Inevitable Fate
The good news is that obesity can be treated through medical interventions like medication, surgery, and enacting lifestyle changes. These options should always be discussed with your primary care provider.
3) Obesity Is Just About Your Weight and Weight Loss
Obesity is not just about how much you weigh. It is also about how fat is distributed in your body and affects your overall health. Untreated obesity can cause many harmful health conditions, which is why it is dangerous. Risk factors can range from type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, to heart conditions to fatty liver disease. There is a line between being overweight and obese. Some overweight individuals are still healthy, especially if they're free from chronic diseases like hypertension or diabetes.
4) Only Surgery Can Effectively Treat Obesity
While bariatric surgery can be a successful treatment option, there are also non-surgical options such as lifestyle changes and medication. Medical weight management and working with a physician in sports medicine and nutrition are all applicable options.
Obesity is a disease that requires medical intervention and understanding. Recognizing it as such can help challenge negative beliefs and provide hope for successful treatment. If you or a loved one are struggling with obesity, seek medical advice to determine the best course of action. Don’t let harmful myths and stigma prevent you from getting the help you need.