The American Medical Association (AMA) has officially recognized obesity as a disease, a move that could induce physicians to pay more attention to the condition and spur more insurers to pay for treatments.
In making the decision, delegates at the association’s annual meeting in Chicago, overrode a recommendation against doing so by a committee that had studied the matter.
“Recognizing obesity as a disease will change the way the medical community tackles this complex issue that affects approximately one in three Americans,” Dr. Patrice Harris, a member of the association’s board, said in a statement. She suggested that new definition would help in the fight against Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which are linked to obesity.
Still, some doctors and obesity advocates said that having the nation’s largest physician group make the declaration would focus more attention on obesity. And it could help improve reimbursement for obesity drugs, surgery and counseling.
Those arguing against it say that there are no specific symptoms associated with it and that it is more of a risk factor for other conditions than a disease in its own right. They also say that “medicalizing” obesity by declaring it a disease would define one-third of Americans as being ill and could lead to more reliance on costly drugs and surgery rather than lifestyle changes.
I would tend to agree with the opponents. Obesity is a complex condition based on lifestyle and diet choices that cause imbalance to a person’s whole body; mind, body and spirit. It is not a deficiency of drugs and lack of surgery procedures. Maintaining your Optimal Health and Vitality is your responsibility and is a result of the choices you make in your life.
I believe there are better choices and many wellness health care practitioners to help if a person decides to make better choices. If you are ready to learn more about healthy choices call or write me and I can refer you to many excellent heal care providers. There are a few of these providers on my links page of this website.
Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Lawrence
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