Ivy League doctors say obesity is now the norm
Ivy League Doctors Declare Obesity as a Chronic Disease Requiring Lifelong Medication
In a groundbreaking six-part series on Medscape titled “Treating Obesity: Confronting a New Normal,” esteemed doctors from Harvard, Yale, and Rutgers medical schools challenge the prevailing belief that obesity is solely a result of personal choices and behaviors. Instead, they argue that obesity should be classified as a chronic disease that demands continuous medical intervention.
Obesity: Not a Personal Choice
According to Yale School of Medicine professor Ania Jastreboff, the conventional wisdom of “eating less and moving more” has proven ineffective in reversing or preventing obesity. Jastreboff asserts, “Obesity is not a personal choice. For years, the advice was that our patients needed to ‘eat less and move more.’ That does not work.”
Shattering Stereotypes
Harvard Medical School professor David Ludwig challenges the prevailing notion that obesity is a character flaw. He argues that obesity is primarily a biological issue rather than a behavioral one. Ludwig states, “We need to think about nutrition as we think about drugs. Obesity is more about biology than behavior.”
Medication as the Solution
In the latest episode of the series, the doctors advocate for the use of drugs as a viable solution for obesity. They discuss the effectiveness of medications such as semaglutide, an injectable appetite suppressant, and other weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These doctors believe that these medications, which target the underlying causes of obesity, offer a new and promising approach to treatment.
A Lifelong Commitment
However, the doctors emphasize that to maintain weight loss, individuals must continue taking these medications indefinitely. They stress that stopping the medication would likely result in weight regain. Chika Anekwe, an obesity medicine doctor, concurs, stating, “Once you start a medication, we expect that you would stay on it long-term to both lose and maintain that weight loss over time.”
The Role of Food Choices
While the doctors dismiss personal choice as the sole cause of obesity, they do attribute it to poor food choices. They classify America as an “obesogenic environment” characterized by highly processed and palatable foods, sedentary lifestyles, high stress levels, and inadequate sleep. The doctors also point out that the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work and education have exacerbated this obesogenic environment.
The Impact of Processed Foods
The doctors link the rise in obesity rates to the mass industrialization of soy and corn during the Nixon administration. This led to the proliferation of highly processed junk foods that are easily digestible and loaded with simple sugars. These foods, according to Rutgers professor Ronald Weiss, hijack our natural hunger drives and create addictive tendencies. He warns, “I think the most dangerous drug on earth is food. Addictive foods are so pervasive — they’re everywhere.”
The Medical Perspective
The doctors explain that highly processed foods disrupt hormonal feedback loops, insulin regulation, and glucagon production. This causes fat cells to store excess calories while depriving the brain and other organs of necessary nutrients, leading to increased food consumption. They argue that fasting alone would not be effective in combating this phenomenon.
Recognizing Obesity as a Chronic Disease
The American Medical Association (AMA) officially recognized obesity as a chronic health condition in 2013. With over 40 percent of American adults and 20 percent of children classified as obese, the urgency to address this issue as a disease requiring ongoing medical attention is more critical than ever.
What are the potential implications for healthcare systems if obesity is recognized as a chronic disease requiring lifelong medication
In order to maintain the benefits and prevent relapse.”
Addressing the Stigma
One of the key goals of the series is to challenge the stigma associated with obesity. The doctors highlight the importance of recognizing that obesity is a chronic disease that requires ongoing medical intervention, just like other diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. By reframing obesity as a medical condition rather than a personal failing, these doctors hope to reduce the stigma and encourage individuals to seek appropriate treatment.
Changing the Narrative
The series aims to shift the narrative around obesity by highlighting the science and evidence behind the disease. The doctors advocate for a comprehensive approach that combines medication, behavior modification, and social support to achieve the best outcomes for patients. They stress the need for a multi-disciplinary approach that includes dietitians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to address the complex nature of obesity.
Implications for Healthcare
If obesity is officially recognized as a chronic disease requiring lifelong medication, it could have significant implications for healthcare systems worldwide. The doctors argue that insurance coverage for obesity medication should be expanded, and healthcare professionals should receive proper training in obesity management. This shift in approach could lead to improved outcomes for individuals struggling with obesity and reduce the burden on healthcare systems in the long run.
The Road Ahead
The declaration by Ivy League doctors that obesity is a chronic disease requiring lifelong medication challenges prevailing beliefs about the causes and treatment of obesity. By reframing obesity as a medical condition and advocating for the use of medication, these esteemed doctors hope to change the way society perceives and addresses obesity. The series on Medscape provides critical insights into the need for a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to obesity treatment and offers hope for individuals struggling with this complex disease.
Note: This article is for informative purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations regarding obesity treatment.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...