Obesity a Disease?

[Primal]

Hello all! So recently in my principles of health course we have been addressing obesity. As we all should know by now, obesity has been classified as a disease by the American Medical Association. Lots of people are pretty one sided on the topic and are unwilling to consider the otherwise. I couldn't help but notice that my prof kept referring to the general public's opinion on the matter instead of dietitians or people (like bodybuilders!) who know tons of information about nutrition! I was just curious what all of your opinions are on the subject, what do you guys think of this decision? I already have my own thoughts on it but it would be cool to hear what you guys have to say!

Thanks!

-Primal:cflag

[Praetorian]

That depends on what your definition of obesity is. Many people who you wouldn't consider obese would be obese according to specific measurements. When are are talking morbidly obese I mean the really huge people that need medical help it definitely is a disease. If you research how these people eat even if you tried to do it you couldnt. There was a documentary on a health clinic in NY State for the morbidly obese....these people were all well over 600lbs. One guy who was a WWE wrestler years ago spoke about how its an addiction like gambling, alcohol, drugs etc. When he eats lets say hot dogs most peple would have 2 maybe 2 or even 4 to get really full....he start with 14 and can do alot more. Try eating 14 hot dogs, full bun, loaded....good luck. The hormonal reaction to food for these people is vastly different then us. Its similar to an alcoholic...for us we have a few drink a couple shots and then it hits us and we are like ok....gotta slow it down a bit....for an alcoholic that just continues for days, weeks, etc

P

[Primal]

That depends on what your definition of obesity is. Many people who you wouldn't consider obese would be obese according to specific measurements. When are are talking morbidly obese I mean the really huge people that need medical help it definitely is a disease. If you research how these people eat even if you tried to do it you couldnt. There was a documentary on a health clinic in NY State for the morbidly obese....these people were all well over 600lbs. One guy who was a WWE wrestler years ago spoke about how its an addiction like gambling, alcohol, drugs etc. When he eats lets say hot dogs most peple would have 2 maybe 2 or even 4 to get really full....he start with 14 and can do alot more. Try eating 14 hot dogs, full bun, loaded....good luck. The hormonal reaction to food for these people is vastly different then us. Its similar to an alcoholic...for us we have a few drink a couple shots and then it hits us and we are like ok....gotta slow it down a bit....for an alcoholic that just continues for days, weeks, etc

P

Great point Prae. Sorry I should have specified what I defined as obesity. In this case since we are talking about the American Medical Association, I will say a BMI over 40 (I think that is what they classify as obese, but don't take my word on it just yet. I don't have my notes at the moment...). What is your opinion on this? I have heard conditions such as hyperthyroidism can really affect how people eat...

[#8]

I think I might be an alcoholic....

[Primal]

I think I might be an alcoholic....

Uhm... You should get help for that?

http://www.smartrecovery.org/?gclid=CNqv2o7Ep7wCFeg-MgodpSUAnA
http://www.searidgealcoholrehab.com/?gclid=CNjjzZzEp7wCFY1AMgodg3sA7Q

[Praetorian]

Hyperthyroidism does not cause obesity...hypothyroidism can cause weight gain but thats not the same as obesity. The BMI is a completely useless measurment! So please dont go by that to determine obesity.

P

[TT Eric]

Hehe according to the BMI people here would all be obese... with abs!

Eric

[cog]

Generally this disease is given the moniker metabolic syndrome.

[Primal]

Hyperthyroidism does not cause obesity...hypothyroidism can cause weight gain but thats not the same as obesity. The BMI is a completely useless measurment! So please dont go by that to determine obesity.

P

Ugh sorry, that was really stupid of me! Wasn't thinking on that day, of course you can't use BMI to determine obesity. All bodybuilders would be considered obese. Ok, so if hyperthyroidism isn't directly correlated to obesity, what is your take on the whole situation? Do you think that obesity is a disease? It states here: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/disease that a disease can be onset by an enviromental stressor.

-Primal