Recognizing overweight and obesity as chronic diseases and acknowledging root causes

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Public Health
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Global obesity rates are rising, necessitating a paradigm shift in understanding the condition.
• Obesity is a complex chronic disease influenced by genetic, environmental, hormonal, social, and political factors.
• Current perceptions often wrongly attribute obesity to willpower failure, hindering effective treatment and de-stigmatization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for recognizing obesity as a chronic disease with complex regulatory mechanisms.
• To highlight the need for improved understanding and education on obesity pathophysiology.
• To address the stigma surrounding obesity and promote appropriate clinical management.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific understanding of obesity's pathophysiology.
• Analysis of social and political determinants impacting obesity.
• Examination of controversies surrounding obesity pharmacotherapy, such as incretin-mimetics.

Main Results:

• Obesity results from intricate regulation of energy balance, not solely individual choices.
• Social and political factors, including food industry regulation and food access, significantly contribute to obesity.
• Misunderstanding obesity as a behavioral issue impedes progress in treatment and de-stigmatization.

Conclusions:

• Obesity requires a comprehensive understanding akin to other chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.
• De-stigmatizing obesity in clinical settings is crucial for offering effective treatments.
• While societal factors are challenging to alter, clinical approaches can focus on patient education and appropriate therapeutic interventions.