Why Obesity Is a Disease

Obesity, once established, leads to irreversible changes in how our bodies regulate body weight. In 2013, this discovery prompted the American Medical Association to declare obesity a disease. How does this decision change our approach to obesity and why will this make a difference for those struggling with excess weight? Arya Sharma—Chair in Obesity Research and Management, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry—discusses how recent discoveries will shape the future of obesity prevention and management.