Table of Contents
Obesity is a disease – it’s your own fault if you refuse fat injections?
It is becoming increasingly clear that obesity cannot be combated simply with willpower, but rather with medication such as the weight loss injection Wegovy. Why people who are so obese could be even more stigmatized.
If the scale shows too much: weight loss medication could put those affected under pressure.
Marcus Butt / www.imago-images.de
Now it’s practically official: If you’re overweight, it’s not your own fault. A leading judgment published this week by the Federal Court comes to the conclusion that obesity is a disease that cannot always be overcome by one’s own will.
Big relief. A deep exhalation can be heard, and the pulled-in stomach immediately bulges a little again. 43 percent of people in Switzerland are overweight and 12 percent are obese. Many feel stigmatized. It helps to hear that you may not be able to do anything about the extra pounds.
The pharmaceutical industry also shares this view. “Obesity is nothing other than a chronic disease, just like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s,” says Roche manager Manu Chakravarthy in an interview with this newspaper. If you see obesity as a disease, then you have to cure it like a disease.
The good thing for those affected and for the pharmaceutical industry is that there is effective medicine against obesity with the so-called Wegovy weight loss injection and similar preparations. Body weight can be reduced by up to 15 percent – willpower is not a requirement.
If the excess weight leads to secondary illnesses or if the body mass index exceeds 30, the basic health insurance covers the medication. The Federal Council estimates that this will result in additional expenditure of 100 million francs annually. This is a consequence of the treatable disease.
Another: Society’s perspective on obesity is likely to change again: anyone who is still obese in the future will have only themselves to blame. After all, there is a cure for it. If obesity is no longer seen as a matter of will but as a curable disease, then those who remain overweight could become even more stigmatized. Those for whom the therapy doesn’t work, who are afraid of side effects – or who simply don’t care about a few extra kilograms.
## Interview: Obesity – Disease or Choice?
**Introduction:**
Welcome to “World Today News”. Today, we delve into the complex issue of obesity, sparked by recent legal recognition of it as a disease and the rise of weight loss medications like Wegovy.
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Emily Carter:** Endocrinologist and Obesity Specialist
* **Sarah Johnson:** Public Health Researcher and Advocate for Body Positivity
**Sections:**
**Section 1: Redefining Obesity: Disease or Lifestyle Choice?**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, the Federal Court recently declared obesity a disease. Can you elaborate on the scientific basis for this classification, and what implications does this have for treatment and societal perspectives?
* **Interviewer:** Ms. Johnson, many argue that while biological factors play a role, personal choices heavily influence weight. How do you respond to this, particularly in light of the new classification of obesity as a disease?
**Section 2: The Medication Landscape: Hope or Pressure?**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, Wegovy and similar medications offer promising results in weight loss. However, some argue that relying on medication shifts responsibility away from individuals and may not address underlying causes. How do you respond to these concerns?
* **Interviewer:** Ms. Johnson, access to such medication isn’t universal. What are your thoughts on the potential for widening health disparities based on factors like insurance coverage and affordability?
**Section 3: Social Stigma: Will Medication Exacerbate the Issue?**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, the article raises the concern that labeling obesity as a treatable disease might increase stigma for those who choose not to medicate or for whom treatment is unsuccessful. How can we mitigate this risk and promote a more compassionate and understanding approach?
* **Interviewer:** Ms. Johnson, how can we ensure that discussions about obesity remain nuanced, acknowledging both biological and social factors while promoting inclusive and supportive environments for people of all sizes?
**Conclusion:**
This conversation highlights the complexity surrounding obesity. It’s a multi-faceted issue requiring open dialog and a holistic approach that considers individual circumstances, scientific evidence, and social impact.
Thank you, Dr. Carter and Ms. Johnson, for sharing your valuable insights.
