### The Recognition of Obesity as a Disease
When the American Medical Association officially recognized obesity as a disease in 2013, it marked a pivotal moment in how the condition was perceived and treated. This decision paved the way for a shift from blaming individuals for their weight to understanding obesity as a chronic condition that requires medical management. Despite this progress, there are still debates within the fat acceptance movement about whether bodies should be pathologized.
### The Brain’s Role in Obesity
Giles Yeo, a geneticist at the University of Cambridge, sheds light on the science behind obesity, describing it as a brain condition that influences hunger and eating behaviors. While carrying extra weight may not necessarily lead to immediate health risks, it can become hazardous when fat cells overflow into other parts of the body, causing metabolic issues that may contribute to conditions like cardiovascular disease. Yeo emphasizes that not everyone with extra weight is living with a disease, but rather when high body weight begins to impact health, obesity can be classified as a disease.
### Tips for Eating Healthily
Yeo offers five tips, known as “Yeo truths,” to help individuals navigate weight loss and healthy eating. He advises cutting back on food intake moderately, choosing foods that are satiating, and considering the nutritional value of food beyond just calorie count. Yeo encourages a balanced approach to eating, emphasizing the importance of enjoying food rather than fearing it. By adopting these strategies, individuals can develop a more positive and sustainable relationship with food and achieve their weight loss goals.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2024-03-15 13:04:00
