The implications of defining obesity as a disease: a report from the Association for the Study of Obesity 2021 annual conference

Luli, M. et al. (2023) The implications of defining obesity as a disease: a report from the Association for the Study of Obesity 2021 annual conference. EClinicalMedicine, 58, 101962. (doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101962) (PMID:37090435) (PMCID:PMC10119881)

Abstract

Unlike various countries and organisations, including the World Health Organisation and the European Parliament, the United Kingdom does not formally recognise obesity as a disease. This report presents the discussion on the potential impact of defining obesity as a disease on the patient, the healthcare system, the economy, and the wider society. A group of speakers from a wide range of disciplines came together to debate the topic bringing their knowledge and expertise from backgrounds in medicine, psychology, economics, and politics as well as the experience of people living with obesity. The aim of their debate was not to decide whether obesity should be classified as a disease but rather to explore what the implications of doing so would be, what the gaps in the available data are, as well as to provide up-to-date information on the topic from experts in the field. There were four topics where speakers presented their viewpoints, each one including a question-and-answer section for debate. The first one focused on the impact that the recognition of obesity could have on people living with obesity regarding the change in their behaviour, either positive and empowering or more stigmatising. During the second one, the impact of defining obesity as a disease on the National Health Service and the wider economy was discussed. The primary outcome was the need for more robust data as the one available does not represent the actual cost of obesity. The third topic was related to the policy implications regarding treatment provision, focusing on the public's power to influence policy. Finally, the last issue discussed, included the implications of public health actions, highlighting the importance of the government's actions and private stakeholders. The speakers agreed that no matter where they stand on this debate, the goal is common: to provide a healthcare system that supports and protects the patients, strategies that protect the economy and broader society, and policies that reduce stigma and promote health equity. Many questions are left to be answered regarding how these goals can be achieved. However, this discussion has set a good foundation providing evidence that can be used by the public, clinicians, and policymakers to make that happen.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The conference was funded by Novo Nordisk, Rhythm and Slimming World. The work cited by EFa has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) (under grant agreement no. 875534). The JU receives support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program and EFPIA and T1D Exchange, JDRF, and Obesity Action Coalition (https://imisophia.eu). NMA is supported by NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Oxford, Diabetes UK, Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation and NIHR School of Primary Care research and the views expressed are those of Dr Nerys Astbury and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Also, RLB is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust, and the Rosetrees Trust.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lean, Professor Michael
• Authors: Luli, M., Yeo, G., Farrell, E., Ogden, J., Parretti, H., Frew, E., Bevan, S., Brown, A., Logue, J., Menon, V., Isack, N., Lean, M., McEwan, C., Gately, P., Williams, S., Astbury, N., Bryant, M., Clare, K., Dimitriadis, G. K., Finlayson, G., Heslehurst, N., Johnson, B., Le Brocq, S., Roberts, A., McGinley, P., Mueller, J., O'Kane, M., Batterham, R. L., and Miras, A. D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: EClinicalMedicine
• Publisher: Lancet Publishing Group
• ISSN: 2589-5370
• ISSN (Online): 2589-5370
• Published Online: 06 April 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in EClinicalMedicine 58: 101962
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License