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The Big Fat Truth
Is Obesity a Disease? By Carma Haley Shoemaker
There is a condition that contributes to approximately 400,000 deaths each year, drains our economy of billions of dollars annually in direct and indirect medical expenses, disability, lost productivity and often 
contributes to displacement of family members. However, this condition is preventable and treatable in many aspects. What is this epidemic plaguing our country? Obesity.
Typically, the guidelines for determining obesity include the Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is a mathematical calculation used to determine whether a patient is overweight. BMI is calculated by dividing a person's body weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared or by using a conversion with pounds and inches squared.
This number can be misleading, however, for very muscular people or for pregnant or lactating women. Being obese and being overweight are not the same condition. A BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese, and a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. There are many factors that impact a person's health risk relative to their BMI such as waist size, smoking, types of foods eaten regularly, exercise and medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and coronary heart disease.
"I've been plagued with obesity most of my 48 years," says Frank Costa of New Jersey, creator and adversary for the organization Take Off the Weight. "In addition, I had diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, stress and a family history of cardiovascular disease. Like most foodaholics, I succumbed each day to the sights, smells and colors of every food group. The oral fixation for food controlled my existence."
But is obesity a disease, just as diabetes or cancer? Does it take its toll on its victims? Does it change the aspect and quality of life? Should those that suffer be offered the same types of help and medical treatment as the thousands who suffer from other ailments recognized by the standard medical community?
