Dr. Peggy Latare gave a talk at an ACN event earlier this year about gaining weight as we age. I’ve had many opportunities to reflect on her comments given my cousin’s preoccupation with her weight loss programs. My cousin has tried everything under the sun and is now contemplating yet another treatment that seems weird to me.
Among the things that I remembered from her talk are these:
*Obesity is a chronic disease, not a moral failing. It has been professionally recognized as a disease since 2012 by endocrinology associations and by the AMA in 2013.
Self-reported obesity among adults is increasing across all states.
BMI, a measure of body mass, is the standard for measuring obesity. A healthy weight is in the range of 18.5-24.9. There are gradations of obesity beyond 30.
Ethnicity matters: “In people of South, Southeast, or East Asia, ethnicity metabolic risk is observed at lower BMI values.”
Weigh stigma is conferred to obese individuals and results in individuals feeling devalued and denigrated. Studies show excess body weight led to negative attitudes, stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination. I was surprised to learn that its prevalence now rivals discrimination based on race and age.
Stigma in healthcare occurs. A study noted that primary care providers spend less time during office visits with obese individuals as they are viewed as noncompliant patients.
Weight gain is not a sudden event. Many adults in the US gain weight at an average of 1-2 pounds per year.
Many factors drive obesity beyond lifestyle such as genetic, environmental, sociocultural, physiological factors.
How to deal with weight loss is covered in Dr. Latare’s presentation which you can find on our website.
I am grateful to Dr. Latare for her comprehensive presentation on this topic. I found it very helpful, and trust you will, too.
Best,
Cora
