Opposing Viewpoints Student Example

Obesity—A Lifestyle Choice

It seems as though around every corner, in every newspaper, there is a new study being reported about obesity.  We’ve heard all about this “obesity epidemic” that is plaguing our country, adults and children included.  Obesity is being linked to severe health problems and social anxiety issues.  In several contexts, obesity is even being called a disease! Now, obesity is undeniably a problem that continues to worsen as years pass, but a condition so self-induced should not be given the title of disease.

            There can be a few different ways of trying to determine whether obesity can be called a disease or not.  One way is by comparing obesity to the technical definition of a disease, which can be defined as, “an interruption, cessation or disorder of a bodily function, organ or system” (American Obesity Association).  When looked at from that standpoint, sure, obesity can fit that definition. But how about comparing obesity with other actual diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s disease.  We have not discovered one solid cause of cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, but obesity is directly linked to consuming more calories than burned over a period of time.  In addition, there has not been a proven method of prevention for those diseases, but obesity has an extremely clear-cut prevention method.  How can we call obesity a disease when it is so preventable and reversible?

            A person who has never had troubles maintaining their weight may look at obesity as a problem that is very hard to take care of.  In fact, the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine concluded that, “…obesity is one of the most pervasive public health problems in this country…a remarkable disease in terms of the effort required by an individual for its management…” (American Obesity Association)  However, the “treatment” for obesity is not like chemo therapy or major surgery.  The management of obesity is living life the way that is required for every single human being to remain healthy; healthy diet and exercise.  It is certainly nothing out of the ordinary.  Again, it seems so difficult to call something so elementary in its “management” a disease!

            Calling obesity a disease is a way of shifting the blame onto something other than ourselves.  It simply implies that obesity was something that happened and was out of our individual control, when in fact it was not.  Americans seem to be notorious for trying to blame something or someone else for the consequences of our own actions.  And with the way the government is reacting to this epidemic by insuring surgeries and diets, they are facilitating this mentality. George Hawley, in his article, “Obesity Is Not a Disease,” states his belief that the government is actually encouraging people to not take responsibility for their conditions, saying, “If the government picks up the tab for overeating, then for what will individuals be held accountable?” (Hawley) The government’s aid in this matter, according to Hawley, is largely responsible for obesity being called a disease in the first place, and they are just using this opportunity to intrude upon our lives and decisions even more.

            Obesity cannot be called a disease because of how elementary its prevention is, as stated earlier. I can say this because I have been on the road to obesity myself.  At my highest weight, I was 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 190 pounds.  This qualified me as obese in terms of my body mass index, or BMI.  However, I knew in my heart of hearts that there was no one person, food, advertisement, or restaurant to blame for my condition.  I became obese because I chose to eat more than I exercised.  When I could have eaten a sensible dinner, I chose McDonalds.  When I could have gone to the gym and exercised, I chose sitting on the couch and watching TV.  The family members I have who are obese are that way because they choose to be that way as well.  I could say that it was in my genes to be obese, but that would only be an attempt to rid myself of any responsibility.  And while staying away from the temptations of junk food, sweets, and laziness can be difficult for some more than others, it is not impossible.  We as humans are in control of our decisions.  We can consciously choose to become obese or healthy.  So, when I chose to eat more than I exercised, I was choosing obesity.  However, when I chose to exercise more and eat healthier foods, I chose a healthy weight.  Now I weigh 155 pounds, which is almost in the healthy BMI range, and I’m still working at it. 

            There is no denying that in a country full of fast food and convenience, the temptation for overeating and being lazy are present and prominent.  But, there is also no denying that we have the choice to follow those temptations into obesity or not.  It is unfair to call obesity a disease and put it in the same category as a devastating disease like cancer that is, in most cases, unpreventable or untreatable.  Those who want to call obesity a disease do not want to take responsibility for their choices and want to take the easy way out of their problems.

American Obesity Association. "Obesity Is a Disease." Opposing Viewpoints: Obesity. Ed. Andrea C. Nakaya. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Spokane Community College. 29 May. 2008 <http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/infomark.do?&contentSet=GSRC&type=retrieve&tabID=T010&prodId=OVRC&docId=EJ3010380214&source=gale&srcprod=OVRC&userGroupName=spok23643&version=1.0>.

Hawley, George. "Obesity Is Not a Disease." Opposing Viewpoints: Obesity. Ed. Andrea C. Nakaya. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center