What is Obesity?
Obesity is a chronic and systemic disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the body that negatively impacts health. While it is often perceived as merely an aesthetic problem, obesity is a serious medical condition that affects endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory mechanisms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m². Today, approximately one-third of the global population is classified as obese, and this rate continues to rise every year.
Obesity does not simply mean being overweight. It leads to the development of diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, sleep apnea, and polycystic ovary syndrome, increasing the risk of early death and a significant decline in quality of life. It is also linked to some types of cancer.
Why is Obesity a Disease?
- It is a multifactorial disease, with genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors playing a role.
- It is more than just an imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure.
- It causes chronic inflammation in the body.
- The signaling pathways between the brain, gut, liver, and pancreas are disrupted.
- The weight loss process is successful not just through “willpower,” but with a holistic medical approach.
Societal Perception and Facts
Obese individuals still often face stereotypes like “if they really wanted to, they could lose weight” or being labeled as “weak-willed.” However, obesity is a health issue influenced by neurohormonal changes beyond an individual’s control. Therefore, both individual awareness and societal consciousness are crucial.
Obesity patients are often stigmatized by society with the belief that “if they really wanted to, they could lose weight.” Thus, it is important to emphasize that obesity is not a “lack of willpower” but a disease, in order to raise societal awareness.
