By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    photo of hands with blue veins
    8 Proven Tips on Finding Difficult Veins
    November 12, 2021
    tips for getting over the pandemic blues
    4 Proven Ways to Get Over the Pandemic Blues
    February 22, 2022
    medical industry innovations
    How is CNC Machining Transforming the Medical Industry?
    June 2, 2022
    Latest News
    Medicare Helps Seniors, and People with Disabilities & ESRD
    November 27, 2023
    The Link Between Allergies and Sinusitis & Strategies for Relief
    November 27, 2023
    What Health Complications Can a Sunburn Cause?
    November 22, 2023
    From Mountains to Metropolis: A Guide to First Aid Approaches
    November 20, 2023
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    A Silver Lining in GOP Attempts to Defund PPACA implementation
    May 27, 2011
    Medicare Payments to Physicians – Proposed Rule for 2012
    July 8, 2011
    Administrative Costs
    August 11, 2011
    Latest News
    Automation in Pharmacovigilance: A Double-Edged Sword
    November 15, 2023
    What Does Science Say About Modern Health Practices?
    November 12, 2023
    Harnessing the Power of Email Marketing in Healthcare
    October 26, 2023
    10 Proven Strategies to Level Up Your Health Business
    October 25, 2023
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Obesity Recognized as Disease
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > News > Obesity Recognized as Disease
NewsPolicy & LawSpecialtiesWellness

Obesity Recognized as Disease

DrTerrySimpson
Last updated: 2013/07/26 at 8:00 AM
DrTerrySimpson
Share
3 Min Read
obesity recognized as disease
SHARE

obesity recognized as diseaseThe American Medical Association (AMA) – the largest group of physicians in the nation – has officially recognized obesity as a disease, a move that could encourage physicians to pay more attention to the importance of addressing obesity, and spur more insurers to pay for treatments. One reason the AMA has declared obesity a disease is that it could reduce the stigma of obesity that stems fr

obesity recognized as diseaseThe American Medical Association (AMA) – the largest group of physicians in the nation – has officially recognized obesity as a disease, a move that could encourage physicians to pay more attention to the importance of addressing obesity, and spur more insurers to pay for treatments. One reason the AMA has declared obesity a disease is that it could reduce the stigma of obesity that stems from the widespread perception that it is simply the result of eating too much or exercising too little.

Research has shown that obesity is far more complex than many people, including physicians, understand. Supporters also say obesity fits some medical criteria of a disease, such as impairing body function. In terms of the cost of obesity, the availability of more treatment could end up significantly cutting costs from diseases associated with being severely overweight, including the costs incurred with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Jaime Ponce, Chattanooga surgeon and president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), said “Many private insurers, employers and state health plans specifically exclude the treatment of obesity and severe obesity from their coverage policies. While the AMA has no legal or regulatory power, their recognition of obesity as a disease sends a powerful message that access to evidence-based treatments across the spectrum of the disease are medically necessary, and should be treated in similar fashion to treatments for heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.”

Additionally, the designation could influence insurers’ decisions to cover weight loss drugs and could give pharmaceutical companies more incentive to start investing money in developing these types of drugs. Until very recently, there was a lag in development of obesity drugs, with just two approved by the FDA in the past decade–both in the past year.

We also hope the decision by the AMA will prompt society to better understand how complex obesity is. 

(Obesity is a disease / shutterstock)

TAGGED: obesity

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
DrTerrySimpson July 26, 2013 July 26, 2013
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print
Share
Previous Article Midwest Health Startups: Making More Deals but Drawing Less Money
Next Article person-centered healthcare yoga Person-Centered HealthCare: Healing Trauma With Yoga

Stay Connected

1.5k Followers Like
4.5k Followers Follow
2.8k Followers Pin
136k Subscribers Subscribe

Latest News

Unlocking a Healthier You: Shedding Unwanted Pounds
Weight Loss November 29, 2023
hearing aids
Navigating the World of Hearing Aids with Confidence
Wellness November 29, 2023
find affordable hearing aids
Finding Quality Affordable Hearing Aids That Fit Your Lifestyle
Wellness November 29, 2023
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty 101: 6 Factors To Consider Before Going Under The Knife
Surgery November 29, 2023

You Might also Like

Weight Loss

Unlocking a Healthier You: Shedding Unwanted Pounds

November 29, 2023
hearing aids
Wellness

Navigating the World of Hearing Aids with Confidence

November 29, 2023
find affordable hearing aids
Wellness

Finding Quality Affordable Hearing Aids That Fit Your Lifestyle

November 29, 2023
allergies and sinusitis
Health

The Link Between Allergies and Sinusitis & Strategies for Relief

November 27, 2023
Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Follow US
© 2008-2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?