Is Obesity a Disease? Yes

The American Medical Association (AMA) defines "disease" based on three features, including a defect in the normal function of any part of the body associated with specific signs and symptoms and leading to morbidity. Obesity can be considered a disease because there are some abnormalities in the regulation of appetite and function of the endocrine system, leading to abnormal energy balance and the accumulation of adipose tissue manifested as higher levels of body mass index (BMI) and central obesity indices. This condition is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, sleep apnea, arthralgia, walking disability, and many other complications. Obesity results from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors leading to energy imbalance and fat deposition. This condition eventually promotes abnormal endocrine and inflammatory responses and arouses severe complications. Obesity is a debilitating disease that, other than metabolic complications, would emerge as gastrointestinal reflex, osteoarthritis, psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, decreased physical activity, and decreased quality of life. On the other hand, about 5-10% weight loss decreases many obesity-related complications; hence, obesity seems to be a real, complex disease that occurs in the context of a person's genetic predisposition and a combination of inflammatory, hormonal and behavioral factors. Similar to other chronic diseases such as diabetes, a fundamental plan is necessary to prevent its increasing incidence and treat it with effective medications.This article is the counterpart of another article (Whether obesity is a disease? It is too early to say yes) in this issue.