The great debate: Is obesity a disease?

Recently, the American Medical Association identified obesity as a disease. Their findings are based upon the history of health conditions prevalent amongst obese family members. Genetics played a role in their decision, as well as other common denominators like excessive adipose (fat tissue). The first medical reference relating to obesity by a physician dates back to the 17th Century. The early discovery of this condition would lead us to believe obesity has little to do with the current nutritional culture, but think again.

Depending upon your social and economic status, a 17th century diet could reflect consumption fat rich foods including cream, butter and milk, beef and pork. If you were poor, your diet would focus on the ample supply of potatoes, bread, limited amounts of dairy and hardly any meat. With the discovery of new horizons came the introduction of a greater variety of food consumption. The likelihood for obesity would be narrowed down to someone’s access to healthy food and what they could afford.

Today, obesity can be influenced by our lifestyle and consumption. Fast food has made eating affordable but not nutritional. The introduction of chemicals to enhance, preserve and extend the shelf life of food has lessened the quality of food, tremendously. Combine all of the above together and the outcome will likely impact health and wellness.

Greater than all the above is what rests at the root-cause for obesity: Behavior. Overeating, poor nutrition, lifestyle, lack of knowledge and cultural surroundings influencing behavior. Unless habitual behavior changes, obesity will not be cured. Operations, prescribed medication and limited choices alone or combined – without behavior modification - will not likely prevent anyone from returning to their past.

Obesity can “run” in families, but the likelihood is their behavior and attitude toward nutrition is the cause linked to their obesity. Unless there is an underlying medical condition involved (i.e. Hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, central hypothyroidism and hypothalamic disorders). (Visit the following link to learn more about obesity related diseases http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18230905)

In the event, a medical condition is the culprit behind your health condition a Registered Dietitian would be the medical expert to help develop your nutritional requirements. If your medical condition is not the reason for obesity, than behavior must be dealt with first. Until the behavior is addressed, the battle of the bulge will continue to win.
Calling obesity a disease only allows more opportunity for medication to be the answer when behavior is typically rooted to the problem.

Quick Tips for Wellness: Change your thinking (behavior) and your Wellness will follow.

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Pat Ferguson is an AASDN Nutrition Specialist, Wellness Trainer and Founder of Live Life Well Now (www.livelifewellnow.net).
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