If you had asked me that 15 years ago, my answer would have been something along the lines of ” no way, it is simply a matter of discipline or lack thereof”
But since then , science and myself have evolved and I see things a bit more nuanced . At this point, we can classify obesity as a chronic condition , here is the official definition by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Medical Association (AMA).
Chronic Condition: Obesity is a chronic disease that develops over time and requires long-term management. It is characterized by an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of various health issues, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers.
The main reason why i am more inclined to view it as an illness is that we have discovered several genes or signaling pathways that are present in obese people , here are the most notable ones:
FTO Gene: One of the most studied genes linked to obesity is the FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated) gene. Variations in this gene are associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and increased risk of obesity. People with certain variations of the FTO gene tend to feel hungrier, consume more calories, and store more fat. These variants tend to become stronger the heavier someone is
MC4R Gene: Another well-known gene is the MC4R (melanocortin 4 receptor) gene, which plays a role in regulating hunger and energy expenditure. Mutations in this gene can lead to severe obesity by affecting the body’s ability to signal satiety, making it harder to control appetite.
LEP and LEPR Genes: These genes are responsible for producing and regulating leptin, a hormone that signals the brain to stop eating when the body has enough fat stored. Mutations in the LEP (leptin) or LEPR (leptin receptor) genes can disrupt this signal, leading to overeating and difficulty losing weight. The patient basically develops leptin resistance and loses the feeling of fullness .
Gene-Environment Interaction: Genetics alone are not the sole cause of obesity. Environmental factors such as diet, physical activity, and lifestyle interact with genetic predispositions. If someone with the genetic set up to be heavy lives in an environment full of junk food and devoid of activity, the person will have a higher chance to develop obesity
It must be stated though, that all these factors do not matter if there isn’t a caloric surplus.
Meaning obesity is not some God given punishment but is the result of decisions made of a long period of time. But it is also true that certain individuals will gain weight easer and have a harder time losing body fat than others. This is where newer medications such as GLP-1 can be helpful since they reduce the cravings, increase fullness and downregulate appetite.
If you have some weight to drop, reply yes to this message and we will schedule you in!
Maik