The implications of defining obesity as a disease: a report from the Association for the Study of Obesity 2021 annual conference
Year: 2023
Type: review
Abstract: Unlike various countries and organisations, including the World Health Organisation and the European Parliament, the United Kingdom does not formally recognise obesity as a disease. This report presents the discussion on the potential impact of defining obesity as a disease on the patient, the healthcare system, the economy, and the wider society. A group of speakers from a wide range of disciplines came together to debate the topic bringing their knowledge and expertise from backgrounds in medicine, psychology, economics, and politics as well as the experience of people living with obesity. The aim of their debate was not to decide whether obesity should be classified as a disease but rather to explore what the implications of doing so would be, what the gaps in the available data are, as well as to provide up-to-date information on the topic from experts in the field. There were four topics where speakers presented their viewpoints, each one including a question-and-answer section for debate. The first one focused on the impact that the recognition of obesity could have on people living with obesity regarding the change in their behaviour, either positive and empowering or more stigmatising. During the second one, the impact of defining obesity as a disease on the National Health Service and the wider economy was discussed. The primary outcome was the need for more robust data as the one available does not represent the actual cost of obesity. The third topic was related to the policy implications regarding treatment provision, focusing on the public's power to influence policy. Finally, the last issue discussed, included the implications of public health actions, highlighting the importance of the government's actions and private stakeholders. The speakers agreed that no matter where they stand on this debate, the goal is common: to provide a healthcare system that supports and protects the patients, strategies that protect the economy and broader society, and policies that reduce stigma and promote health equity. Many questions are left to be answered regarding how these goals can be achieved. However, this discussion has set a good foundation providing evidence that can be used by the public, clinicians, and policymakers to make that happen.
Source: EClinicalMedicine
Authors: Migena Luli, Giles Yeo, Emma Farrell, Jane Ogden, Helen Parretti, Emma Frew, Stephen Bevan, Adrian Brown, Jennifer Logue, Vinod Menon, Nadya Isack, Michael Lean, Chris McEwan, Paul Gately, Simon Williams, Nerys Astbury, Maria Bryant, Kenneth Clare, Georgios K. Dimitriadis, Graham Finlayson, Nicola Heslehurst, Brett Johnson, Sarah Le Brocq, Audrey Roberts, Patrick McGinley, Julia Mueller, Mary O'Kane, Rachel L. Batterham, Kath Roberts, Alexander Dimitri Miras
Institutions: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, University of Cambridge, Wellcome/MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University College Dublin, University of Surrey, University of East Anglia, University of Birmingham, University College London, Lancaster University, University Hospital Coventry, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, University of Glasgow, Leeds Beckett University, Ipswich Hospital, University of Oxford, University of York, Hull York Medical School, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, King's College Hospital, University of Leeds, Newcastle University, Imperial College London, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, MRC Epidemiology Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Ulster
Language: English
Topic: Obesity and Health Practices
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $5,000
Funders: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation United Kingdom, European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation, Department of Health and Social Care, Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust, Diabetes UK, European Commission, Rosetrees Trust, Novo Nordisk, Innovative Medicines Initiative, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre
Awards: Adiposity risk in pregnancy: identifying cost effective risk prediction measures that can be implemented at scale within NHS maternity services, ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF MULTI-SECTOR OBESITY POLICY, G2412805558, G434337789, The development and rehearsal pilot of a guideline implementation intervention for obesity management by midwives, Transformations to Regenerative Food Systems, Stratification of Obesity Phenotypes to Optimize Future Therapy, Maximising the health benefits gained from bariatric surgery
OpenAlex ID: W4362659556