07/22/2013 // Carson , CA, USA // LifeCare123 // Eva Hvingelby // (press release)
The American Medical Association announced in June that it will start classifying obesity as a disease. This created immediate controversy within the broader medical community, because not all agree that obesity fits the definition of a disease. Since obesity is the result of natural physiologic processes to store excess calories as fat, some argue it shouldn’t be classified in the same way as illnesses such as arthritis or cancer. Others believe the new classification is primarily focused on securing financial reimbursement for treating obesity, and worry it may cause some individuals to feel stigmatized. Those who support the classification, many of whom treat obesity, greet this new classification as a positive outcome, citing greater likelihood that insurance will cover a variety of medical and surgical interventions. Proponents also believe that requiring physicians to clearly and consistently document obesity in the medical record, together with a variety of treatment recommendations, will ensure that doctors and patients are engaging in a regular dialogue about healthy weight.
Obesity and Quality of Life
There is no controversy that obesity rates have skyrocketed. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 35.7% of Americans are now obese and the associated medical costs are significant. Type II diabetes, heart disease, gastro-esophageal reflux, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and depression are only a few complications that result from obesity. These secondary effects already present a significant cost to health insurers, in addition to decreasing quality of life for millions. The most worrying trend is the increase in childhood obesity, particularly among boys; the data shows us rates in this group jumped significantly between 1999 and 2009. We’ve known for over a decade that becoming obese during childhood leads to more serious complications over the lifetime, including higher rates of skeletal, hormonal and heart dysfunction. It can also lead to earlier death. This makes prioritizing and treating obesity imperative, and these trends likely influenced the AMA’s recommendation.
The guideline used to determine obesity is the Basal Metabolic Index (BMI), a calculation of an individual’s height and weight; a BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese. BMI calculators are readily available on the CDC and National Institutes of Health websites. Research shows us that obesity results from a long-term imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. In other words, the overwhelming majority of Americans with obesity suffer because they ingest more calories than they expend. Obesity is both treatable and preventable by reducing the number of calories consumed through food and drink, and increasing exercise.
Obesity is Curable
If you are already overweight or obese, speak with your physician about both the physiologic and psychological consequences. Your insurance may already cover a variety of interventions and it’s possible more will become available soon as the medical community refines approved treatments under the AMA’s new classification. Remember that if you’re diagnosed with the disease obesity, it is curable, and you have a critically important role in returning to a state of health.
CDC (2013) Adult Obesity Facts. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
Katz, D. (2013) Reversing the obesity trend. Retrieved from http://www.davidkatzmd.com/opose_summary.asp
Must, A. and Strauss R. (1999) Risks and consequences of childhood and adolescent obesity.International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders. 23, 2-11
Nixon, C. and Gibson, E. (2012). Evidence-based recommendations for the development of obesity prevention programs targeted at preschool children. Obesity
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