Question:
I'm having trouble understanding and explaining how obesity is a disease

How exactly is obesity a disease? My understanding is that a person who's BMI is at a number that clinically makes them obese. Got that part...I'm confused...is it a disease because the person cannot lose weight in the "typical" way...the fat just stays there no matter how little or much you eat and no matter what you eat? Is it like a metabolism thing? No or super slow metabolism? Also..not a thyroid problem..is that what makes this a disease? How can I explain this all to "normal" ha..ha.. people so they'll understand why I need this surgery? I know I shouldn't care about what other people think etc..this is just for the doubters in the family and trying to make them understand.    — kathleen-Joan piper (posted on March 27, 2003)

March 26, 2003
MO is a duisease because we cant loose weight tru normal means. I would get barb thompsons great book on WLS. It has a special section for family members. See the bottom of my profile.
   — bob-haller

March 27, 2003
Morbid obesity is a disease because the FDA and NIH declares it a disease. Some state laws do also. Some insurance companies do not consider it a disease. Morbidly obese people can lose weight in the typical way (adjusts to diets and exercise), but the facts are that NIH shows more than 95% of people regain their weight in a year, plus more. If you feel you have to explain to people your decision for having the surgery, I would just explain that the surgery is a tool for helping you maintain weight loss. It is not a cure-all and you have to still make responsible choices and life-style changes. I wouldn't try to make an excuse that because one is morbidly obese that they cannot lose weight in the normal fashion, because that is not really true.
   — Lisa N M.

March 27, 2003
The Food and Drug Administration, the National Institute of Health and the IRS (believe it or not) consider obesity a disease. Obesity meets all of the criteria one could reasonably have for a disease, in terms of mortality, morbidity and effect on the bodily functions. Obesity has recognized causes, including metabolic and endocrine abnormalities, identifiable symptoms and consistent anatomical effects. I, as a recovering alcoholic, think of my obesity as a disease, because it is easy for my mind to get around having a disease that I can get into recovery for. Being in the program of AA, I believe that I suffer from a grave, emotional and mental disorder. I believe that in order to begin recovery from obesity, I must adopt the first step of AA which is: Admit I am powerless over alcohol (or in this case, food) and that my life has become unmanageable. Trying to prove to people that I have a disease is not as important to me as getting into recovery for it. They can see the disease all over my body. It is called fat. I believe that therapy in any form is a necessity for anyone suffering from a disease such as mine. I drank and ate to cover up feelings that I did not want to deal with. I hope these 2 definitions/explanations help. Good luck to you on your journey of recovery!
   — Susan F.

March 27, 2003
Thank you for asking this question. I was wondering the same thing. I personally don't think I have a disease! I do however have an eating disorder that has hindered my ablity to use food as it is intended (energy/fuel). As far as explaining this to friends and family, there are plently of ways to tell them, the best is to educate yourself so you can explain it to them. This surgery is a tool, not the answer. You will still have to excersise, eat right and care for your body. Best of luck to you...aims
   — chickiewickie