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FrançaisIn 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) officially classified obesity as a disease. This announcement marked a significant departure from the traditional perception that linked obesity primarily to laziness, poor choices, or a lack of willpower.
Once the declaration was made, the media landscape lit up with discussions and debates. The phrase “AMA Declares Obesity a Disease” made headlines everywhere from scientific publications to mainstream outlets thrusting the topic into the spotlight. No longer a background issue, obesity became a central focus of national conversation. Health experts, from academics to TED Talk speakers, were asked to explore the implications and tackle the lingering question: Is obesity truly a disease?
To this day, that conversation remains ongoing.
Is Obesity Truly a Disease?
Societal norms and ingrained beliefs often take time to shift. Alongside the AMA’s groundbreaking 2013 classification, counterarguments began to emerge. A Forbes article, for instance, warned that referring to obesity as a disease might be a mistake. The author contended that, just as smoking rates declined due to proactive behavior change, obesity should be combated similarly with personal accountability, not just medical labels.
Critics suggest that calling obesity a disease might excuse individuals from making necessary lifestyle improvements like adopting healthier diets or exercising. To them, the label may erode the value of personal responsibility. On the flip side, advocates argue that framing obesity as a disease opens the door for better treatment strategies, deeper research efforts, and a more compassionate approach to care.
A different viewpoint appeared in The Atlantic, emphasizing that the relationship between weight and health is far from simple. It pointed out that accepting obesity as a disease doesn’t necessarily negate the need for lifestyle changes and, arguably, the AMA never implied that it did.
Why Some Resist the Disease Label
In American culture, personal accountability plays a dominant role in the conversation around health. A 2020 study published in Perspectives in Psychological Science shed light on this mindset, noting that despite constant messages urging people to take charge of their health, preventable diseases remain widespread. The authors tied these societal expectations to everything from motivational books to wellness campaigns.
At first glance, the idea that obesity is a disease may seem to contradict the emphasis on personal choice. However, this tension isn’t uniquely American international publications like the British Medical Journal also reflect on it. It’s worth remembering that receiving a disease diagnosis doesn’t exclude recommendations for better eating or physical activity. In fact, these changes are often essential parts of treatment.
Some physicians hesitate to apply the disease label out of concern it might send the wrong message to patients that their actions no longer influence their health outcomes. Adding to this complexity is the fact that obesity doesn’t manifest with clear, direct symptoms. It’s most often diagnosed using the body mass index (BMI), which itself has been criticized for its limitations. Some professionals suggest alternatives like waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratios as more accurate metrics.
Another hurdle is the lack of consensus around what exactly defines a disease. Many definitions require noticeable symptoms, something obesity doesn’t always present.
Still, it’s undeniable that obesity contributes to numerous health issues, including heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and sleep disorders.
What Happens When Obesity Is Treated as a Disease
The AMA identified several potential benefits to acknowledging obesity as a medical condition:
- Enhanced education for healthcare providers on treating obesity, both during medical school and in practice
- A decrease in social stigma from both the general public and medical professionals
- Greater insurance coverage for treatments specifically targeting obesity
- Increased funding for research into both prevention and treatment methods
Recent advancements in obesity medications such as the growing popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists have reinforced this shift in thinking. Since many people equate diseases with the existence of effective medications, these treatments have helped to reinforce the medical framing of obesity. As more patients ask about these drugs, it becomes easier for healthcare providers to discuss obesity as a multifactorial disease one that still includes behavioral and lifestyle components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Obesity a Disease or a Disorder?
Obesity is now widely classified as a chronic disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 42% of middle-aged adults in the U.S. are affected by it. Obesity plays a major role in the onset and progression of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, joint degeneration, certain cancers, and more.
Is Obesity a Long-Term Condition?
Yes. Obesity fits the CDC’s definition of a chronic disease: it persists over long periods and either requires continuous care or impacts daily life, or both. Heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes are commonly known chronic diseases and obesity significantly increases the risk of all three. Additionally, the CDC reports that obesity raises the likelihood of various health conditions including strokes, premature death, and high blood pressure.
In financial terms, out of the $3.3 trillion the U.S. spends annually on chronic conditions, $1.4 trillion is linked to obesity.
How Are Obesity and Mental Health Connected?
There’s strong evidence for a two-way relationship between obesity and mental health challenges. On one hand, psychological conditions such as depression or anxiety may contribute to weight gain. On the other, living with obesity may worsen emotional wellbeing.
Several factors explain why mental illnesses can raise the risk for obesity:
- Psychiatric medications often promote weight gain and insulin resistance
- Conditions like depression or anxiety may disrupt sleep, reduce physical activity, or lead to poor eating habits
Conversely, individuals with obesity are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders. This may be caused by self-esteem issues, physical discomfort, and the social stigma attached to weight. Additionally, fat cells release certain chemicals that can affect brain function, further complicating the emotional impact of obesity.
Because this relationship is complex, it’s important for healthcare providers to monitor patients with obesity for mental health issues and vice versa.
Is Severe Obesity Considered a Disability?
Class III obesity, previously termed morbid obesity, can lead to serious health complications that may qualify an individual for disability support. However, having severe obesity doesn’t automatically mean a person is unable to work. Many people living with Class III obesity continue to perform their jobs without issue. Eligibility for disability benefits depends on whether the condition severely limits one’s ability to carry out daily or occupational tasks.