<p>Is Obesity a Disease? Understanding the Medical Perspective in Singapore</p>

Is Obesity a Disease? Understanding the Medical Perspective in Singapore

Is Obesity a Disease? Understanding the Medical Perspective in Singapore

Defining Obesity as a Disease

Obesity is not just about excess body fat—it is a complex, chronic disease with physiological, genetic, and environmental causes. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health”[1]. Similarly, the American Medical Association (AMA) classifies obesity as a disease due to its direct impact on organ function, metabolism, and long-term health risks[2].

Singapore’s Ministry of Health and healthcare institutions recognize obesity as a major public health concern. With rising obesity rates, medical professionals stress the need to approach weight management with evidence-based treatments, rather than viewing obesity solely as a personal choice.


Why is Obesity Considered a Disease?

1. Metabolic and Hormonal Dysregulation

Obesity affects how the body regulates hunger, energy storage, and metabolism. Hormones such as insulin, leptin, and ghrelin become imbalanced, making it harder for individuals to maintain a healthy weight[3]. This explains why weight loss is not just about willpower—biological factors play a significant role.

2. Increased Risk of Chronic Conditions

Obesity significantly raises the risk of conditions such as:

  • Type 2 Diabetes: 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese[4].
  • Heart Disease: Obesity contributes to high blood pressure, cholesterol imbalances, and inflammation, increasing the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks[5].
  • Certain Cancers: Studies link obesity to breast, colon, and liver cancers[6].

3. Long-Term Progression and Difficulty in Reversal

Like other chronic diseases such as hypertension, obesity progresses over time and requires ongoing management. Simply advising patients to "eat less and exercise more" often fails because obesity alters how the body processes and stores energy[7].


Obesity in Singapore: A Growing Concern

According to Singapore’s National Population Health Survey, obesity rates have been steadily increasing, with 11.6% of the adult population classified as obese in 2022[8]. This highlights the urgency of recognizing obesity as a medical condition requiring structured treatment.


Managing Obesity: A Medical Approach

Since obesity is a disease, treatment should go beyond lifestyle advice. Medical interventions include:

  • Medications for Weight Management: New treatments, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels[9].
  • Medical Supervision and Nutrition Planning: Working with doctors and dietitians ensures sustainable weight loss strategies.
  • Structured Weight Loss Programs: Supervised programs, including andSons’ evidence-based medical weight loss solutions, provide long-term support.


Conclusion

Classifying obesity as a disease allows for better treatment strategies and reduces stigma. In Singapore, medical professionals emphasize the need for an evidence-based approach that includes lifestyle changes, medication, and professional support. Recognizing obesity as a disease shifts the focus from blame to treatment, improving long-term health outcomes.


Sources

  1. World Health Organization. “Obesity and Overweight.” https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
  2. American Medical Association. “Obesity as a Disease.” https://policysearch.ama-assn.org/policyfinder/detail/obesity?uri=%2FAMADoc%2FHOD.xml-0-3858.xml
  3. Harvard Medical School. “Why Obesity is Hard to Beat.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/obesity-is-complicated-and-so-is-treating-it-2018053013943
  4. American Diabetes Association. “Obesity and Diabetes.” https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/46/Supplement_1/S128/148043/8-Obesity-and-Weight-Management-for-the-Prevention
  5. American Heart Association. “Obesity and Heart Disease.” https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/obesity
  6. National Cancer Institute. “Obesity and Cancer Risk.” https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity
  7. Mayo Clinic. “Obesity: Symptoms and Causes.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742
  8. Ministry of Health Singapore. “National Population Health Survey 2021/22.” https://www.moh.gov.sg/others/resources-and-statistics/nphs-2022
  9. HealthHub Singapore. “Medications for Weight Loss.” https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/weight-management