Fat Like Me? 3 Reasons You Should Be Happy Obesity Is a Disease

I want my doctor to talk to me about my weight.

Each year, I conscientiously attend my annual medical checkup, hoping for a candid conversation with my doctor about my weight. Unfortunately, it seldom happens. While my physician takes care of other aspects of my health, such as family history-related colonoscopies and monitoring my cholesterol with statins, addressing my obesity seems to be a topic they prefer to avoid. This personal experience resonates with many individuals who desire their doctors to be more engaged in addressing obesity as a critical health issue. In this article, we explore the significance of classifying obesity as a disease, the potential benefits it may bring, and how it could transform the landscape of healthcare.

Obesity as a Disease

The American Medical Association’s recent decision to classify obesity as a disease represents a pivotal moment in the recognition of this widespread health concern. This reclassification carries several implications, including a shift in the way society perceives and deals with obesity. This change signifies a collective acknowledgement of the complexity and severity of the issue, which could significantly impact healthcare practices.

1. Collaboration for Weight Loss

Traditionally, weight-loss initiatives have been primarily consumer-driven, with individuals seeking solutions independently. However, the reclassification of obesity opens the door for broader involvement from healthcare providers, employers, and insurers. Collaborative efforts can foster a more supportive environment for those seeking to lose weight.

One exemplary model is the Cleveland Clinic, which integrates wellness programs into health insurance plans, incentivizing employees and dependents to make healthier choices. Obesity management becomes a mutual endeavor between patients and healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of Body Mass Index (BMI) and addressing chronic issues associated with obesity. Such initiatives not only reduce the feeling of isolation for obese individuals but also provide financial and health insurance support, potentially improving their quality of life and saving healthcare costs.

2. Evidence-Based Approaches

The involvement of healthcare professionals, employers, and insurers in weight management could lead to a more evidence-based approach. With this shift, there may be a reduction in the prevalence of unproven and often gimmicky weight-loss products and programs. The emphasis will be on interventions that have a scientific basis and are supported by credible evidence.

Weight Watchers, for example, may benefit from this shift as it aligns with evidence-based weight-loss strategies, such as calorie counting, moderate exercise, and social support. This change in approach is expected to bring legitimacy to weight-management products and programs and result in more reliable options for individuals striving to lose weight.

3. Reducing Stigma and Emotional Barriers

One of the less-discussed yet equally significant benefits of classifying obesity as a disease is the substantial reduction in the pervasive and damaging stigma associated with being overweight or obese. It is crucial to acknowledge that studies have consistently shown the existence of biases against individuals with obesity, which extend into various aspects of life, including employment, education, and healthcare. Even among human resource managers, these biases can manifest, leading to unfair treatment and limited opportunities for individuals with obesity.

By officially recognizing obesity as a legitimate medical condition rather than a mere behavioral problem or a result of personal choices, healthcare providers can approach it with greater empathy and understanding. This change in perspective has the potential to positively impact the patient-provider relationship, fostering a more supportive and collaborative environment for individuals seeking treatment and guidance for their obesity-related health concerns.

Moreover, the reclassification of obesity as a disease may help destigmatize this condition in society at large. It offers individuals the opportunity to discuss their weight concerns openly, without the heavy emotional baggage often associated with body image and beauty standards. This shift reframes the conversation from being primarily a personal issue to a medical one, which can facilitate more constructive dialogues about the root causes of obesity, available treatment options, and the importance of preventative measures.

Ultimately, by reducing the stigma surrounding obesity and promoting a more compassionate and medically-informed approach, the reclassification as a disease can lead to more inclusive and supportive communities where individuals can access the help they need to achieve healthier lives. This change has the potential to benefit not only those directly affected by obesity but society as a whole, as it promotes understanding and empathy in the face of a complex and multifaceted health issue.

Conclusion

The reclassification of obesity as a disease by the American Medical Association represents a significant and long-awaited step forward in addressing this pervasive and complex health issue. It has the potential to transform the landscape of healthcare by promoting collaborative efforts among medical professionals, researchers, and policymakers, fostering the development of evidence-based interventions and treatment strategies, and ultimately reducing the harmful stigma that has surrounded obesity for far too long.

As individuals who are committed to improving our health and well-being, we can anticipate a more compassionate and holistic approach from healthcare providers. This shift in perspective may finally lead to more open and productive discussions about weight, its underlying causes, and its far-reaching impact on our overall health and quality of life. It provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive and personalized care plans that consider not only weight management but also the broader spectrum of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The reclassification of obesity as a disease should also pave the way for increased research funding and a greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention strategies. This, in turn, can empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their health and reduce the prevalence of obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

In conclusion, this landmark decision by the American Medical Association marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against obesity. It signifies a paradigm shift towards a more empathetic, evidence-based, and comprehensive approach to addressing this pressing public health concern, offering hope for a healthier future for individuals and society as a whole.