The American Medical Association last week declared obesity a disease. That's a step, doctors say, that will help medical professionals better treat a condition that affects 78 million adults and 12 million children. Yahoo News invited Americans who qualify as obese -- those with a BMI above 30 -- to share their story and perspective on the news. Here's one.
FIRST PERSON | My name is Laura Cushing, and I'm morbidly obese, as my doctors have dubbed it. While morbid obesity doesn't have a pleasant ring to it, it's certainly preferable to some of the names I've been called in reference to my body size.
At 43, I stand nearly 6 feet tall and weigh 324 pounds. This is down from my top weight of 390 when I was 40; I've been actively trying to lose weight. It is a slow process, often thwarted by a lack of funding and support. Here in West Berlin, N.J., I attended Weight Watchers until the classes got to be too expensive for our budget. (Registration costs vary, but to use their online tools, it sets us back $65 for three months, while in-person meetings are $15 each.) Though I am insured through my husband's work, his insurance company would not cover Weight Watchers.
On my doctor's recommendation, I saw a nutritionist to get help to develop a diet and exercise program. Every time I see my doctor, it costs me an insurance co-pay. Every time I see the nutritionist, it costs me a higher specialist co-pay. When I need blood tests or body tests, I pay a substantial co-pay as well.
Gym membership is likewise out of reach financially at the moment at $400 annually. We are told that "some versions" of our insurance cover membership, but not one that we have access to and not for any of my documented conditions.
With the change to the AMA recognizing obesity as a disease, I have renewed hope that insurance companies will therefore have to recognize it as well. I hope this leads to making the prevention and treatment for obesity more affordable and accessible to all.
It is my belief that all Americans deserve adequate care to live the healthiest lives they can. Treating obesity as a disease and addressing it before it leads to other health conditions can make a huge impact on a person's overall well-being.
Is my obesity a "self-inflicted" disease? I can pinpoint a number of factors: My father and his side of the family were all obese, meaning it is partially genetic. I have had limited access to healthy foods at times during my life that doubtlessly contributed. I suffered a crippling car accident that impeded my ability to be active for quite a while. And, yes, there's also just that I enjoy eating and haven't always made the best choices.
The AMA's decision to classify obesity as a disease is a great step in a positive direction -- but other steps are needed. Education, individual action, and community support must be achieved as well. I am hoping that instead of this pushing an agenda of diet drugs and surgeries, there will be more focus on treatments that include healthy eating and exercise.
As for my own weight loss journey, I will carry on as I have been -- modifying my diet, increasing my exercise, and looking toward a healthy future.
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