16/03/2025
Obesity Is a Disease—And It Must Be Treated
For far too long, obesity has been seen as a lifestyle choice, a lack of willpower, or simply a cosmetic issue. But science tells a different story—obesity is a chronic disease that requires medical intervention, just like diabetes or heart disease.
The Science Behind Obesity as a Disease
The World Health Organization (WHO), the American Medical Association (AMA), and countless other health bodies recognize obesity as a disease. Why? Because it meets the medical criteria:
• It has a clear physiological basis – Obesity isn’t just about eating too much; it’s influenced by genetics, hormones, metabolism, and brain chemistry.
• It leads to other health complications – Obesity significantly increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and even certain cancers.
• It requires medical intervention – Diet and exercise alone often aren’t enough; medical treatment, behavioral therapy, and in some cases, medications or surgery are needed.
Breaking the Stigma: It’s Not Just About Willpower
One of the biggest barriers to effective obesity treatment is stigma. Many people, still view obesity as a personal failing rather than a medical condition. This stigma prevents patients from seeking proper care and contributes to feelings of guilt and shame.
Imagine if we treated diabetes the same way:
• “Just stop eating sugar, and your diabetes will go away.”
• “You just need more willpower.”
Sounds absurd, right? Yet, people with obesity hear similar messages all the time.
The Consequences of Ignoring Obesity
When obesity is left untreated, it doesn’t just affect an individual’s weight—it damages nearly every organ system in the body. Some of the consequences include:
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease and stroke
• Fatty liver disease
• Sleep apnea
• Joint problems and chronic pain
• Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety
Obesity Treatment Is a Necessity, Not an Option
Just like any other chronic disease, obesity requires a comprehensive treatment approach, including:
✔ Medical supervision – Doctors can provide medications, surgery, or other interventions tailored to an individual’s needs.
✔ Behavioral and lifestyle support – Sustainable changes in diet, activity, and stress management make a difference.
✔ Community and emotional support – Having a support system, whether through family, counseling, or professional coaching, is key to long-term success.
The Call to Action: Let’s Change the Narrative
It’s time to move past outdated myths and recognize obesity for what it is: a serious, treatable disease. Everyone deserves access to the right medical care, free from judgment and stigma.
At Curega, we believe in empowering individuals to take control of their health with science-backed solutions and compassionate care. If you or someone you love is struggling with obesity, don’t wait—treatment is available, and change is possible.
Let’s treat obesity the way we treat any other disease: with care, urgency, and the right medical support.
