Growing Recognition of Obesity as Chronic Disease

Obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic disease that requires comprehensive treatment similar to other chronic conditions. According to Obesity Canada, a broader acknowledgment of obesity as a serious health issue could enhance access to effective treatments, which currently face long wait times, particularly for bariatric surgery. Additionally, the stigma associated with obesity and the biases held by healthcare professionals can obstruct effective treatment and care. While medical professionals advocate for treating obesity like any other disease, fat activists argue that labeling all fat bodies as diseased is rooted in social bias rather than science. Research highlights the pervasive bias against larger bodies in psychological care, which often goes unrecognized by practitioners, impacting therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, the conversation around obesity necessitates a de-stigmatization of body diversity and a focus on health and well-being rather than solely on weight loss.