Why BMI is not the only indicator of health?
#1: Obesity is a choice.
Obesity is considered a chronic disease, not necessarily a choice. Some may have a genetic predisposition to being overweight or obese. It may be hard to “undo” genetic predispositions. Others may need to take certain medications, which may have a side effect of weight gain. There may be limited options of other choices of the medication that may not have the same side effects. Certain health conditions, especially metabolic, may make it harder for one to lose or maintain their weight, such as metabolic syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, or PCOS. Obesity should be taken equally as seriously as another illness or chronic condition.
#2: Obesity is Caused by Lack of Physical Activity
There are so many considerations to take into account to lose weight. The answer is not always to simply increase exercise to lose weight, or eat less. Two people can eat the same thing and perform the same exercises and have different results. Each situation should be uniquely tailored to the individual based on their circumstances, conditions, age, lifestyle etc.
#3: Obese Individuals Should Make Better Choices
Just because your BMI qualifies you as obese does not mean that you make poor choices. People of any shape, size, or weight can make good or poor choices. Plenty of individuals at an obese BMI make better choices than those with a normal BMI. Remember that there are many reasons that your BMI can be elevated outside of just food choices.
For more help in treating obesity, please contact our office at 770-232-2911.
