Highlights
- The American Medical Association declared obesity a disease in 2013 but there is still a debate on the need for such labeling.
- Different methods can help identify obesity but personal experience and health dynamics over time also play a role.
- Considering obesity as a disease can raise awareness but it may also lead to overtreatment.
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The Complicated Nature of Obesity
Many are used to thinking that gaining excess body weight is a person’s own choice. But, the reality is way more complex: metabolism, physiology, social environment, genetics, and many other factors are deeply intertwined, each influencing body weight and well-being.
Lifestyle is one of the most commonly blamed aspects, and sometimes, for good reason. Eating a lot of high-calorie foods while not having enough physical activity—including non-exercise activity in daily life—can lead to obesity over time. However, it is not universally applicable. For example,
Anxiety, depression, and stress can also increase the risk of obesity due to the
Before exploring these aspects in more detail and analyzing the pros and cons of declaring obesity as an illness, let’s find out what’s considered obesity and how it is measured.
How Is Obesity Measured?
Identifying obesity often comes down to numbers (even though the methods discussed below have exceptions). Another important element is individual health dynamics, such as weight fluctuations, the percentage of body fat, or physical symptoms like shortness of breath during usual physical activity.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
It is a simple calculation that assesses your weight and height to give you an idea of whether your weight is in a healthy range.
Here’s how it works:
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)2
The resulting figure is categorized based on the following:
- Underweight: less than 18.5
- Normal weight: 18.5–24.9
- Overweight: 25–29.9
- Obesity: 30 or greater
However, BMI isn’t always a perfect way to identify obesity. It doesn’t take into account muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. For instance, if you are an athlete and have a lot of muscle, your BMI may not be entirely accurate.
Waist Circumference
Your waist circumference is the measurement around your natural waistline. To check it, wrap a tape measure around the narrowest part of your waist, between your lower rib and hip bone. 35 or more inches for women and 40 or more inches for men mean an increased risk of having obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
This health indicator still has flaws: just like BMI, it doesn’t consider the specifics of body composition and can be influenced by posture, breathing patterns, and even the time of the day.
Body Fat Percentage
An evaluation of body composition provides a more detailed insight into health status. Typically, excess body fat means 25% or greater for men and 36% or greater for women and
Why Is Obesity Considered a Disease
The American Medical Association (AMA) declared obesity a disease in 2013. Other public health organizations, such as
Chronic Course
Morbid obesity (a BMI of 40 and higher) is considered a chronic condition. It affects many metabolic, hormonal, and physiological processes, and it is not something you can simply fix with a quick diet, hence the need for ongoing care and management.
Hormonal Imbalance
Obesity can
Inflammation
Excess weight can lead to chronic inflammation, which can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other health conditions. Although it is not a sole criterion, it supports the decision to call obesity a disease when viewed in conjunction with other factors.
Genetic Component
Genetics play a significant role in obesity, affecting metabolism, appetite, and body composition. With time, genetic information can be used to identify individuals with a higher risk of obesity and therefore improve preventative measures.
Impact on Mental Health
Obesity can affect one’s mental health, with consequences ranging from low self-esteem to
Potential Need for Medical Attention
Obesity often requires professional medical attention, especially when one’s medical history suggests a predisposition for cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and other health conditions typically associated with excess weight. A care plan may require counseling, a dietitian’s support, regular check-ups, or, in some cases, medication or surgery.
5 Common Arguments Against Calling Obesity a Disease
Since there is no consensus on a precise definition of a disease, several arguments challenge the recognition of obesity as one. For example, diseases are associated with impaired functioning, but some overweight people can lead the same lives as leaner individuals. Moreover, it is possible to be both overweight and healthy, which challenges the common view of illnesses. Now, let’s take a look at some other arguments.
No Single Cause
There’s a mix of genetic factors, environment, lifestyle, and other causes of obesity. Some people may have a genetic predisposition, while others may struggle with emotional eating or lack access to healthy food options. Such a complex net of potential causes makes it harder to tell if one may become obese or not.
No Clear Definition
Obesity is not just about weight but rather overall health. Two people can have the same body mass but completely different body compositions and health risks.
No Consistent Symptoms
Everyone’s experience is different. Some people may have obvious symptoms like joint pain or fatigue, while others may not show any signs of weight-related conditions at all or develop them later in life.
Complex Influence on Health
If a person is obese according to a BMI calculation or waist circumference measurement, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have poor health. A person with a greater body mass but a healthy lifestyle can be healthier than someone with many harmful habits. Moreover, there is a so-called “
Risks for Stigma and Blame
Obesity is highly stigmatized, and when it is labeled as a disease, there is a risk of a destructive narrative. Overweight people might be perceived as “sick” and “less capable” in this case, which may cause social or professional exclusion.
Stigma may also come in the form of overemphasized treatment. It is known that not every overweight person has severe health risks, but a “disease” label may promote an idea of “fixing” everyone with a higher body mass or body fat percentage regardless of other factors. Finally, calling obesity an illness may decrease the importance of personal responsibility, which is still required for everyone following a weight loss plan.
Should Obesity Be Labeled as a Disease? Pros and Cons
Pros
- Increased awareness and medical support: Calling obesity an illness can help increase awareness and support from both the general public and the medical community. When identified as a disease, obesity is taken more seriously, which could ultimately lead to better medical care.
- Enhanced empathy and understanding: Recognizing obesity as a disease helps others understand that the root causes are biological, psychological, and environmental, not only lifestyle-based. Instead of being criticized as weak-willed or lacking discipline, people will get the support they need.
- Focus on prevention and management: Considering obesity as a disease highlights the need for prevention and identifying true causes. This could lead to rising research funding and making public health messages more accepting and compassionate.
Cons
- Overmedicalization: This is one of the biggest risks; it means people with obesity and those around them may encourage medically needy behavior, including weight loss surgery or medication even when new lifestyle choices could be sufficient.
- Impact on personal responsibility: Some might argue that if obesity becomes an official disease, people with excess weight may start to think they have no power over it. Although the possibility is not high, some may use a diagnosis as an excuse and delay or avoid medical or nutritional support.
- Impact on medical care: Once obesity becomes labeled as a disease, it may cause biases in the medical field. During check-ups, excess body weight may be considered the primary cause of other commonly associated health issues, making it harder to access necessary tests and interventions.
Does Calling Obesity a Disease Matter?
On one hand, calling obesity a disease or not is not critical. What matters most is attention to each individual’s health and well-being, where excess weight may or may not be a problem. Still, the new CDC data shows that
So, on the other hand, the change in terminology can be beneficial: it may shape public health policies, influence individual perceptions, and even impact treatment approaches. Calling it an illness may shift the focus from blame to care, shape the use of health insurance for obesity management, and promote research. For example, NIH Institutes funded the Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBIT) projects that support the development of behavioral practices as preventative measures.
Ultimately, it is more important to focus on addressing the root causes of obesity and providing effective support systems. By prioritizing empathy, understanding, and comprehensive care, we can help individuals achieve better health outcomes and improve their overall well-being.
When Is It Time to Seek Support?
You’ve calculated your BMI online, measured your waist, and even found a tool for estimating body fat percentage. If the results make you think you are overweight or obese, it’s time to assess a few more points:
- Have you gained weight rather quickly?
- Have you noticed that you are getting tired faster, or excess weight impairs normal functioning in another way?
- Do you have shortness of breath during typical exercise, or sleep apnea?
- Do you have frequent digestive issues, joint pains, or changes in blood pressure and sugar levels?
- Do you have a predisposition to illnesses usually associated with obesity?
- Have you noticed changes in mood and overall mental health?
If you have several positive answers or even one that bothers you a lot, it can be the right time to consult a healthcare professional. They’ll conduct a detailed assessment, refer you to other specialists if necessary, and create a tailored weight loss plan online if deemed necessary.
Summing Up
Obesity has been considered a condition for many years now, and the Obesity Society stated that calling it a disease is going to have more positive outcomes than negative. However, whether or not it is declared a disease, the main goal is to improve everyone’s well-being. If excess body weight becomes a problem for any reason, it is important to find the root causes and get appropriate support. If you are looking for a licensed healthcare provider who can evaluate your health and create a personalized weight loss plan, MEDvidi is here to help: book an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can obese people be healthy?
Yes, the number on your scale is not the only thing affecting your health. Studies show that some people with long-standing obesity can be considered healthy, and there is an associated term “metabolically healthy obese.” However, there is still a proven link between excess weight and
What causes obesity?
Both genetics and environmental aspects can lead to obesity, including psychological factors, stress levels, lifestyle, and others. There is no single cause and no one-size-fits-all solution, so a detailed consultation with a healthcare professional can be beneficial.
What are the risks of untreated obesity?
CDC lists the following common
How does obesity affect life expectancy?
When did obesity rise?
Obesity rates have risen since the 1980s, affecting people in different age groups and of all genders. It is believed that a reduction in physical activity is only a minor factor, and more important causes are significant dietary and lifestyle changes.
