Obesity is not a choice and should not be treated as one, states psychological report
5 years, 3 months ago

Obesity is not a choice and should not be treated as one, states psychological report

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Obesity is “not a choice”, states a new report from the British Psychological Society that calls for changes in how people regard those who are obese. While BPS does not support the classification of obesity as a disease, as the World Health Organisation does, it stresses the importance of avoiding “language and explanations that locate the ‘problem’ of obesity within individuals”. “The people who are most likely to be an unhealthy weight are those who have a high genetic risk of developing obesity and whose lives are also shaped by work, school and social environments that promote overeating and inactivity.” The BPS also points out that those living in deprived areas may be more susceptible to obesity because they might have less access to affordable healthy food options. Cancer Research compares obesity to smoking in new advert “It has taken action at all levels for decades, from government policy to helping individual smokers, but we are now seeing significant reductions in the level of smoking and the health problems it causes,” Mr Bajwa pointed out.

History of this topic

Stigma, fatphobia, and a cure? How obesity became a disease.
6 months, 4 weeks ago
Queen Latifah calls for more ‘inclusive healthcare’ for people with obesity
1 year, 4 months ago
Scientists call for obesity to be renamed to improve treatment
1 year, 6 months ago

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