Is Obesity a Chronic Medical Disease?

With obesity rates skyrocketing in the United States, it’s important to understand what exactly is causing this epidemic. If you’re like most people today, you’ve probably heard about how low-fat diets and exercise are the answer to America’s weight problem. But these oversimplified solutions don’t address the root of the issue: our genes! 

We all know someone who can eat anything they want without gaining a pound (or two). Meanwhile, we also know those who struggle with their weight despite eating healthy and exercising regularly. With such individual differences in metabolism, why do we continue telling everyone that obesity is caused by overeating and lack of exercise? Well, I’m here to tell you that there may be more than meets the eye regarding weight loss management.

Is Obesity a Chronic Disease?

It’s a question that many have debated, and it looks like we finally have an answer. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has declared obesity to be a chronic medical disease. The NIH defines the term as “a significant health problem that is associated with multiple physical and mental health conditions, increased mortality rates, reduced quality of life, high healthcare costs.”

It also states that the risk factors for obesity include higher caloric intake than what one needs for daily activities or exercise. Other risk factors include lack of sleep, genetics, environmental factors such as access to healthy food choices, or safe places to take part in physical activity.” 

So, what does this mean? Obesity can no longer be classified just as a lifestyle choice-it is now recognized as a medical condition. It is the leading cause of preventable death in America and can lead to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer. 

Managing Obesity

With obesity rates skyrocketing in the United States, it’s important to understand what exactly is causing this epidemic. If you’re like most people today, you’ve probably heard about how low-fat diets and exercise are the answer to America’s weight problem. But these oversimplified solutions don’t address the root of the issue: our genes!

We all know someone who can eat anything they want without gaining a pound (or two). Meanwhile, we also know those who struggle with their weight despite eating healthy and exercising regularly. With such individual differences in metabolism, why do we continue telling everyone that obesity is caused by overeating and lack of exercise? Well, I’m here to tell you that there may be more than meets the eye.

First of all, identifying the medical reasons for obesity can be difficult because there are many misconceptions about why people gain weight. Luckily, there are now health specialists who have done a lot of work in this field. Physiotherapists, bariatric doctors, nutritionists, and trainers; all understand how to help minimize the effect of obesity. This sort of thing may either be from genetics or may slowly showcase its grip. Either way, it’s best to nip it while there’s time, and here is how:

1. Evaluate Weight Issues

The first step towards the solution is identification. Weight loss can be a struggle for many people, but why is it difficult to lose weight? Several physical medical reasons contribute to difficulty losing weight. In addition to the physical consequences associated with obesity, many emotional and social issues come along with this issue. For example, obese individuals may experience psychological distress from being stigmatized by society or their families due to their weight gain. But what exactly causes obesity? What makes some people gain unhealthy amounts of weight while others do not?

Several factors contribute to a person’s risk of becoming overweight or obese, including genetics, lifestyle habits, diet and exercise patterns, socioeconomic status, culture/ethnicity, and age (1). If you’re struggling with your weight, then it is time to take an inventory of your life and your body.

2. Physical Activities

It’s never too late for precautions. It doesn’t matter what body size you have; a healthy exercise routine is something that can keep both your mind and bones fresh and active. They not only increase your work productivity but also save you from a number of chronic diseases.

3. Balanced Diet

Managing your calorie intake is an essential step in weight loss. You need to know what you’re eating. This can be done by working along with a specialized physician who can understand your requirements.

Obesity is a chronic disease that has many causes, including genetic predispositions, food choices, and environmental factors. It’s important to understand the medical reasons for obesity because it can affect your health in so many ways – from physical pain to mental stress. If you’re struggling with weight loss or have concerns about how being overweight may be affecting your overall well-being, talk to one of our expert dietitian nutritionists today. We’ll help you put together an individualized plan tailored to meet your needs!