Is Obesity just a disease? Let's see what experts argue

This is a subject that will have people split down the middle.

Is Obesity a disease??  HMHB will have their own say at the end of this blog entry, but first let us take a look at what some experts say.

Well, Liverpool University Professor John Wilding, from the European Coalition for People living with Obesity (ECPO), (honestly, there is an organisation called that), has said that more than 200 genes influence weight.  In fact they say that obesity should be classed as a disease to encourage people to seek NHS treatment. They believe the role played by genetics mean that many cannot help being overweight.

By reclassifying obesity, medics say sufferers will be able to get help for related conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and cancers.

The ECPO told the British Medical Journal "it is not an individual's fault if they develop obesity."

They believe categorising it as a disease would urge folk to seek professional help rather than rely on "fad diets or non-prescription aids".

However, Doctor Richard Pile, a General Practitioner from St Albans, Hertfordshire, said it would "stop people making changes". He added: "it encourages fatalism, promoting the fallacy that genetics are destiny."

In January 2019, the Royal College of Physicians called on the government to recognise obesity as a disease.  The American Medical Association does recognise obesity as a disease already.

HMHB says:

This is a tough one, and this is just our opinion. Everyone, including you, can decide for yourselves. But we do not see it as a disease, or illness. Rather, the result of some conditions - such as depression, stress and anxiety. Some people use alcohol or drugs to help them through tough times. Others use food, Our own Lazza has experienced this, so we do not belittle or judge anyone. Obesity (or overeating) is a result of how we react to other recognised medical conditions.

However, nobody forces food down our throats. Noone pumps drink into our bodies. We choose to eat and drink when we want. We choose foods that are processed and maybe not as good as others. And this can lead to weight gain.

Unless it is a very serious medical condition, you only put on weight if you are not in a calorie deficit (you use up less calories than you eat in the day).  But it is your choice - even if influenced by mental health problems.

By saying it is a disease would mean it is something you can catch, or takes responsibility away from the individual. I, Lazza, am overweight, and am doing something about it, by changing diet and exercising more - that is the miracle cure!!  But also I have addressed mental health problems behind my behaviour.  Being overweight was not an illness, but a by product of my mental health problems over time.