Doctors recognized that obesity must be treated
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Representatives of the American Medical Association have finally come to the conclusion that such a disease as obesity in any case requires treatment. Up to this point, obesity was not officially recognized as a disease, but was considered only a feature of the human body. Considering that over thirty percent of the US population is overweight, it can be considered that the country has an epidemic of obesity.
Workers of the association are engaged in developing new methods of fighting obesity in order to prevent the growth of the number of patients. Statistics show that the number of people with excess weight is growing every year, and it's not just adults, many American children are obese up to 10 years old.
Obesity was officially recognized as a disease after analysts from the American Medical Association reported that to date about one-third of the adult population in the US and over 17% of children under the age of 15 are overweight. At first glance, excess weight is not a problem and does not cause any special inconveniences, but every day obesity has a negative effect on the work of all internal organs, on the general state of health. The findings led the representatives of the association to look at obesity in another way and declare it a disease, for the treatment of which medication intervention may be required.
Representatives of the association are sure that this change will first of all change the attitude of medical workers to people with excess weight. Indeed, after declaring obesity an officially recognized disease, any doctor has the right to pay attention to the fact that many health problems can be provoked by excess weight. Doctors say that more than fifty percent of people who suffer from excessive weight do not seek medical help only because they are not sure that the doctor will be able to suggest a possible solution to the problem and advise.
This behavior of people with obesity resulted in attempts to get rid of excess weight were not always successful. After obesity has been recognized as a dangerous disease, therapists will significantly increase the number of complaints of excess weight - consider the association's employees.
Companies that provide health insurance will be required to pay for surgery, consulting therapists and intensive care sessions for all people who are obese and want to get rid of the disease.
According to the forecasts of the association, this change can reduce the number of people who are obese. The opportunity to receive qualified medical care will increase the number of people who will seek advice from dietitians and therapists. Also, the number of cash receipts in medical clinics will increase.
Nutritionists hope that the ability to control their weight not only independently, but also under the supervision of a doctor, will help reduce not only the number of obese patients, but also reduce the number of patients with anorexia, bulimia and other problems associated with nutrition and weight.
[