Defining Obesity
A recent article in The New York Times recently brought to light an important decision by the American Medical Association (AMA) that shifts the focus on how we fight obesity.
At the association’s annual meeting, the AMA voted to define obesity as a disease, thereby encouraging physicians to focus more on treating their patients’ weight issues and potentially clearing the way for better access to weight loss medication and therapeutic treatments such as bariatric surgery.
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In voting for defining obesity as a disease, supporters hoped the classification would help stop the belief that obesity is simply due to lifestyle and also call attention to the fact that obesity – like all other diseases – impairs body function.
It’s well known that obesity takes a toll on the body, so this decision by the AMA will hopefully be the first step in a concerted effort by the nation’s healthcare organizations to individuals all the support they need to fight the fat and get healthy.
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The benefits of weight loss
Losing weight isn’t easy, but the rewards are great. Here are some of the many benefits to getting your weight into a healthy range:
- Decreased chance of developing coronary heart disease
- Decreased chance of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
- Decreased chance of being diagnosed with cancer, especially uterine, breast, and colon
- Decreased chance of developing high blood pressure
- Decreased chance for stroke
- Decreased chance for liver and gallbladder disease
- Decreased chance of developing sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Decreased joint pain and effects of osteoarthritis
- Decreased chance of gynecological problems such as abnormal menses and infertility
- Improved self-image and less chance for depression
For more information about weight-loss surgery or to attend a free seminar, visit griffinhospitalbariatrics.com.
