As a board-certified family medicine and obesity medicine physician, I understand the complexities surrounding obesity and its impact on health. At Missouri Metabolic Health, we aim to empower individuals in Missouri by providing personalized care and effective strategies to improve metabolic health. In this blog post, we will delve into the controversial subject of obesity—exploring whether it should be viewed as a disease or merely a risk factor.
Is Obesity a Disease?
The conversation around obesity often sparks debate—some advocate for it to be classified as a disease, while others argue it is simply a phenotype, a normal variation in human beings. As a physician, I firmly believe that obesity has a significant impact on health. It can lead to various complications, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, 14 types of cancers and many other health conditions.
A crucial concept in understanding obesity is metabolically healthy obesity. This refers to individuals who may meet the BMI criteria for obesity but do not exhibit the metabolic dysfunction associated with it. At Missouri Metabolic Health, we recognize that not all individuals classified as obese are unhealthy.
The Types of Fat Accumulation
There are distinct types of fat accumulation that can influence health. Visceral fat, which deposits around organs, is known to be particularly dangerous. Conditions such as fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues stem from this unhealthy fat accumulation. In contrast, subcutaneous fat, found just beneath the skin, is less harmful and often easier to manage.
To assess where you carry weight, various methods can be employed, such as waist circumference measurements or body composition analyses. For instance, individuals with a larger waist circumference may predominantly store visceral fat, while those with weight more concentrated in their thighs or hips may have a healthier distribution.
Maintaining Metabolically Healthy Obesity
It’s vital to note that metabolic health can fluctuate over time. Some individuals may transition from metabolically healthy to unhealthy obesity due to factors such as weight fluctuations, genetics, environment, and lifestyle. The good news is even a modest weight loss—about 10% of body weight—can often restore metabolic health.
What Can You Do?
If you are facing challenges with PCOS, prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or obesity, I encourage you to seek out a healthcare provider who understands the nuances of metabolic health. It’s important to have a healthcare team that recognizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Our mission at Missouri Metabolic Health is to treat and prevent metabolic conditions through lifestyle optimization, targeted weight management, and safe, effective medications. We are committed to your well-being and look forward to helping you achieve the best version of yourself.
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