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TeresaRudolph71 · 51-55, F
I think that obesity can be a symptom of a disorder, but not a disease. There is a difference. Just as anorexia and bulimia are both eating disorders, overeating can be an eating disorder too. It's an addiction, and any addiction is a type of disorder.
But there's something important that we need to remember: Diseases are things that invade the body, that need medical treatment to be removed, or cured. Disorders, or addictions, can only be cured, or treated, by the person [i][b]choosing[/b][/i] to change their behavior. I empathize [i][b]choosing[/b][/i], because ultimately the person has to choose to get better. Disease doesn't involve choice so much as getting the proper medical care.
I find it disturbing how labeling certain things as diseases tends to enable people to abdicate personal responsibility. The more we avoid taking responsibility for our behaviors, and their natural consequences, the more problems we're going to have. We need to take back our power, which means taking responsibility. If we all did that, the world would be a much better place.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now. 😁
But there's something important that we need to remember: Diseases are things that invade the body, that need medical treatment to be removed, or cured. Disorders, or addictions, can only be cured, or treated, by the person [i][b]choosing[/b][/i] to change their behavior. I empathize [i][b]choosing[/b][/i], because ultimately the person has to choose to get better. Disease doesn't involve choice so much as getting the proper medical care.
I find it disturbing how labeling certain things as diseases tends to enable people to abdicate personal responsibility. The more we avoid taking responsibility for our behaviors, and their natural consequences, the more problems we're going to have. We need to take back our power, which means taking responsibility. If we all did that, the world would be a much better place.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now. 😁
TeresaRudolph71 · 51-55, F
Actually, something just occurred to me. Depression, bipolar disorder, multiple personality disorder, and a host of other disorders do require proper treatment, but that often involves psychotherapy, as well as medication (if medication is found to be helpful). But behavioral-based disorders mainly require the person to choose to change their behavior.
DearAmbellina2113 · 41-45, F
indyjoe · 56-60, M
@DearAmbellina2113 This is true in a lot of cases, but obesity is not always caused by over eating. That's why most people have such disdain for the stigma of being larger and heavier, being told they are just lazy and eat too much all the time and made to feel inadequate as a person because of it.
SW-User
Obesity is a multi-faceted problem unique to the individual. Some are obese because they lack self - discipline, some because of mental illness, some because of medical conditions or physical illness, and some have various combinations of all three.
Unfortunately, people typically only focus on the outward appearance and assume the person is simply a fat, lazy, over-eater and judge them based on that.
Unfortunately, people typically only focus on the outward appearance and assume the person is simply a fat, lazy, over-eater and judge them based on that.
SW-User
@indyjoe Lol, I was thinking the same about your answer. I appreciate what you said. ☺
Sicarium · 46-50, M
Not for the vast majority people. There are legitimate health problems that lead to obesity. Not sure I'd call them diseases, but can see why some people would.
But most people who are obese are so simply because they eat too much and are too sedentary. And there's the whole body positive movement that promotes and encourages obesity. That's not disease, that's willful stupidity.
But most people who are obese are so simply because they eat too much and are too sedentary. And there's the whole body positive movement that promotes and encourages obesity. That's not disease, that's willful stupidity.
indyjoe · 56-60, M
@SW-User The problem is the term obesity has been broadened to practically include everyone who is not "ideal" weight and size. Medical scientists have said before that it is possible to be healthy and be overweight too...that is often overlooked and ignored and most people do not even know it.
PlumBerries · 31-35, F
[c=#7700B2]no I would not call it a disease and I hate how people lately try saying you can be obese and healthy at the same time or try making this a beauty standard. The people who let themselves get like that clearly need help and hopefully can turn their lifestyle around and get healthy and live a longer life, but instead with this pc culture people try saying it is okay to eat yourself to death[/c]
TheConstantGardener · 56-60, M
Personally I don't but I guess it makes it easier to deal with from a health pov to categorise it that way.
Tuscan · 70-79, M
I see obesity as a lack of self discipline, which in itself maybe a mental health issue.
Yes, same with anorexia and bulimia
msros · F
Being skinny is also bad.