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Obesity rates for men are relatively similar among different racial/ethnic groups: 36.2% among
White men; 38.8% among Black men; and 36.6% among Mexican American men. However,
women’s rates vary significantly: 32.2% among White women; 58.5% among Black women;
and 44.9% among Mexican American women (see Figure 2).
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Figure 2 – Prevalence of Obesity Among Women by Race and Ethnicity
22;43
AMA Recognition of Obesity as a Disease
On June 18, 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates voted on
a resolution to adopt a new policy recognizing obesity as a “ disease state with multiple
pathophysiological aspects requiring a range of interventions to advance obesity treatment
and prevention.”
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The implications for patients and the healthcare community may be far reaching. If the AMA
recommendations noted in the Resolution are implemented, possible changes include:
• Improved training in obesity at medical schools and residency programs,
• Reduced stigma of obesity by the public and physicians,
• Improved insurance benefits for obesity-specific treatment, and
• Increased research funding for both prevention and treatment strategies.
It is important to note that although AMA decisions do not have recognized legal implications,
these policy decisions are often referenced by federal and state legislators and other
decision-makers when setting medical policy and health regulations.
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Effects of Obesity – Physical and Mental
As a major contributor to preventive death in the United States today, obesity poses a major
public health challenge - it is the most prevalent, fatal, chronic, and relapsing disorder
of the 21st century.
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Obesity is a leading cause of U.S. mortality, morbidity, disability,
healthcare utilization, and healthcare costs; it causes at least 112,000 excess deaths in
the U.S. each year relative to healthy weight individuals.
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Obese individuals commonly
suffer from social discrimination, stigmatization, and even negative attitudes from their own
healthcare providers.
47;48
The risk of serious health consequences increases with increasing obesity; some of these
health consequences may constitute the principal cause of death (eg, heart disease, stroke,
some cancers), whereas others such as type 2 diabetes lead to a reduced life expectancy.
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