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In a society where obesity rates are steadily climbing and many cultures have normalized the consumption of fast food, the debate on whether or not this phenomenon is a disease is escalating. It is unclear what the true reality of the situation is, with research often being inconclusive. However, with the evidence available today, it is clear that obesity should not be classified as a disease and should continue to follow the already established definition.

The World Health Organization defines obesity as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.” It’s very common, with 2 in 5 adults in the United States having it

Meanwhile, a disease is defined as “an abnormal condition that affects the structure or function of part or all of the body and is usually associated with specific signs and symptoms” according to the National Cancer Institute. More research on the human genome shows that “nearly all diseases have a genetic component.” However, this is not the case with obesity.

In general, obesity has more environmental factors than genetic ones. While there are many different causes, obesity rates have been shown to increase based on the environment that people live in. Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that factors such as where people live, fast-food restaurant density, and food deserts (places with a distinct lack of healthy food) can all contribute to obesity. Similarly, those experiencing food insecurity are more likely to be obese than others due to relying on low-cost, high-energy foods. These factors can significantly increase the likelihood that people will be obese. Even though genetics do play a role in disease, as these studies show, obesity is not solely affected by genetics; the environment can play a much larger role.

Additionally, classifying obesity as a disease could lead to unhealthy behaviors. If it were to be regarded as a disease, obese people may decide to seek medical help. One of the many things that health professionals will suggest are weight-loss medications. Some of these include bupropion-naltrexone, liraglutide, and orlistat, each of which primarily reduce feelings of hunger. (Obesity – Diagnosis and Treatment) However, without doing other activities to promote weight loss, such as regular exercise and dietary modifications, these medications become virtually ineffective. Taking these weight-loss medications may also make people feel as though they do not need to do anything else to lose weight, making people feel lazier and promoting more unhealthy behaviors instead of fixing the problem at hand.

Classifying obesity as a disease may also lead to more stigma surrounding the issue. Historically, there has been discrimination surrounding body weight as a whole, and obesity is no different. People who are considered “diseased with obesity” are regarded as “either victims or perpetrators.” If this distinction continues, there will be higher rates of discrimination against those who are obese. Therefore, saying that it is not a disease will help negate this issue.

Furthermore, obesity is not the only factor that contributes to poor health, and there are many other factors that can contribute to people’s overall health. For example, poor habits, such as physical inactivity and binge eating, which are developed during childhood, will affect people later in life. These poor habits can lead to negative health conditions, like certain types of heart disease and high cholesterol. Since these conditions are developed because of people’s habits, they are not considered “diseases.” Even though changing these issues can take time, they will eventually lead to more positive outcomes that can greatly benefit individuals with these conditions. Since these complications are easily reversible, they are not diseases, and obesity should follow this trend.

Despite the many reasons that obesity should be classified as a disease, the overall effects of this classification are viscerally negative. The definition of a disease does not line up properly with the true nature of obesity, thus increasing the stigma surrounding it; people’s habits and their environment are the factors that can lead to obesity. Therefore, obesity should remain classified as a “health condition” and not a “disease.”