Labeling Obesity a Disease: Could this have Psychological Consequences for Overweight Individuals?

As it has and continues to raise controversy since the American Medical Association (AMA) declared obesity a disease in June 2013, researchers examine the psychological effects that the new label may have on overweight or obese individuals. 

According to a recent study conducted by psychological scientists Hoyt and Jeni Burnete of the University of Richmond, along with Lisa Auster-Gussman of the University of Minnesota, they set out to further examine the effects of this disease label and its emotional aspects.

"Considering that obesity is a crucial public-health issue, a more nuanced understanding of the impact of an 'obesity is a disease' message has significant implications for patient-level and policy-level outcomes," stated researcher Crystal Hoyt, according to Medical Xpress. "Experts have been debating the merits of, and problems with, the AMA policy-we wanted to contribute to the conversation by bringing data rather than speculation and by focusing on the psychological repercussions."

For the study, researchers gathered information from over 700 volunteers who participated in an online-survey. Participants were given different articles to read about both health and weight issues. For instance, some participants read about obesity as a disease while others read the opposite. All of the participants were then required to answer questions following the readings.

The study showed that the articles had an effect on the participants' attitudes for their diet, health and weight. For instance, obese volunteers who read articles that stated how "obesity is a disease" were more likely to place less importance on healthy food choices and less concern on their weight than participants who read the other articles.

"In our ongoing work, we hope to gain a greater understanding of how the 'obesity is a disease' message influences beliefs about the controllability of weight," Hoyt concluded, via the medical organization. "In addition, we are also interested in investigating the role of this message in reducing stigma against the obese."

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Psychological Science.