Abstract
Obesity is a leading cause of preventable death in the USA. The American Medical Association recently recognized obesity as meeting the definition of a chronic disease. This declaration had the intention of improving screening and long-term treatment and is historically similar to the designation of tobacco and alcohol dependence as a chronic disease. Nevertheless, it has ignited a nationwide debate in both academia and public opinion. The current article reviews the implications of treating obesity as a chronic disease, comparing the similarities in pathophysiology of obesity and other addictions, and discusses the pros and cons of this designation as it pertains to health care workers and patients.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 415 |
Journal | Current gastroenterology reports |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2014 |
Keywords
- Addiction
- Alcohol
- Disease
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Tobacco
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology