Question

1. Is it important that there is a genetic basis to weight and obesity?
2. Is obesity a disease?
3. Does labeling something as a “disease” or “disorder” or “genetic” change how we should view that person or condition?

Answer 1

In studies we have proved that in most of the cases of obesity the person had a genetic background. The mutation of the gene located in leptin melanocortin pathway is one of the reason for obesity. If it seems that the person's obesity is due to genetic factors important care should be given to reduce his body weight. Because rather than others their body responds to the diet plan slowly. Even though there is a genetic cause having a healthy diet can counteract the situation.

Obesity is disease that belongs to the chronic category. This is because obesity can lead to other diseases like heart disease, joint problems,type 2 diabetes, hypertension etc.

Disease or disorder is a condition to a particular person for a particular time. Everyone can pass through this stage. But all this time the person is a human like all others and they need care and social attachment. So a labelling called disease,disorder shouldn't change our approach to them.