This is the Weight and Healthcare newsletter! If you like what you are reading, please consider subscribing and/or sharing! Reader Eliah sent me the following email: I’ve seen you write about how the idea of “ob*sity”* as a disease is problematic which is I think why I started noticing that in all the articles about these new diet drugs it seems like it says at least once that “ob*sity is a disease like asthma or type 2 diabetes” I thought you might have some insight into the concept in general and why this specific phrasing is being used.
Thanks for addressing this topic. This branding of "ob*sity" as a disease has been so frustrating to me. Every time I have tried to discuss the "disease" piece with an MD, the response has been "it's just science." When I've responded that it's really NOT science, but a great marketing move, the folks I've spoken with have gotten visibly upset/angry, scolded me for ignoring science, refused to explain to me why they encourage "yo-yo dieting" over other options like HAES, and described my calmly phrased questions as ignoring the facts. I remind myself there are people who still believe the world is flat. However, I'm currently seeking medical assistance for an issue, suspect my size has delayed the search for diagnosis, and am asked by assorted medical professionals why I didn't report [insert some disease I don't have]. My PCP and Gyn are, thankfully, careful to look at more reliable measures for treatment.
Again, thank you! As previously mentioned, ideas for dealing with this systemic issue?
Thanks for addressing this topic. This branding of "ob*sity" as a disease has been so frustrating to me. Every time I have tried to discuss the "disease" piece with an MD, the response has been "it's just science." When I've responded that it's really NOT science, but a great marketing move, the folks I've spoken with have gotten visibly upset/angry, scolded me for ignoring science, refused to explain to me why they encourage "yo-yo dieting" over other options like HAES, and described my calmly phrased questions as ignoring the facts. I remind myself there are people who still believe the world is flat. However, I'm currently seeking medical assistance for an issue, suspect my size has delayed the search for diagnosis, and am asked by assorted medical professionals why I didn't report [insert some disease I don't have]. My PCP and Gyn are, thankfully, careful to look at more reliable measures for treatment.
Again, thank you! As previously mentioned, ideas for dealing with this systemic issue?
What can I do to fight back? Am i able to post your article online? I notice there is a Share button....? Any other suggestions?
This is so well-written Ragen!! Thank you!