The so-called "Battle of the Bulge" has, controversially, been referred to as a disease in the medical lexicon for quite some time.
But now the American Medical Association is officially recognizing it as such.
In June, the association formally classified obesity as a disease, in a bid to "advance treatment and prevention."
Last month, we at the Journal polled our readers to see if they agreed with the classification; the results were split nearly 50/50.
In Saskatchewan where 37 per cent of the population is overweight and 21 per cent is obese (according to 2011 StatCan results), it's an issue that hits nationwide; despite its newfound classification in the United States, Canadian doctors say they've been treating obesity as a disease for quite some time as well and it's assumed the Canadian Health Association will soon follow the American lead.
Karie Kazakoff is a dietitian and manager of the Saskatoon Health Region's LiveWell Chronic Disease Management program in the rural areas, Humboldt included. Past Canadian studies show that whereas provinces like Canada, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia have reduced rates of obesity in their major cities compared to rural areas, the rates didn't vary significantly between the two in Saskatchewan.
Kazakoff specializes in obesity prevention and remains ambivalent on whether it's a disease or not.
"Our patients may think it's a disease based on what they think."
When asked if she herself believes it's a disease, Kazakoff said her opinion is irrelevant.
"I don't think it matters. It's where they're at."
Kazakoff believes it's the patient's mindset that is the most important part and thus, when welcoming a new patient to their program, they have to answer two questions: On a scale of 1-10 how important is it to be at a healthy weight, and on a scale of 1-10 how confident are they in achieving a healthy weight?
She said her patients always recognize the importance of being healthy but when it comes to actually achieving their goal weight, an overwhelming number rate their ability to do so very low.
"Most of it is mental," Kazakoff said. "It's about being ready."
Much of the controversy in the American Medical Association's new-found classification for obesity is that some health critics feel it takes the accountability off of the person.
Kazakoff disputes this theory.
"I've never met a patient who's comfortable in their weight," she said, pointing out they're clearly seeking out her expertise because they know they need to make a change.
She said a crucial factor to controlling obesity isn't the initial weight loss, but maintaining it for years after the fact and points out Humboldt's numerous programs that help combat obesity.
LiveWell has "an amazing partnership" with the city, evidenced in such ways like the branch's chronic disease management program run out of the Humboldt Uniplex. A special group exercise program for the higher risk class of obesity, it's run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.
"It's a powerful, encouraging class," Kazakoff said, noting the social interconnections that sprout from it.
A group class, Kazakoff said it's the strength in numbers that seem to be a motivating factor for its participants.
LiveWell also partners with the local Food Connection For All, a group with members ranging from the Westminster United Church to the Humboldt Regional Newcomer's Centre who strive to ensure residents have access to healthy, fresh produce. The organization has started projects including the community garden and the collective kitchen and has a dietitian sitting on the committee as an advisor.
She also noted Humboldt's local schools seem to be working in a nutritionally positive direction, an objective that has become popular with schools in North America swapping out greasy burgers in the cafeteria for fresh food; stocking the vending machine with granola bars instead of chips and candy.
One in four adult Canadians are obese, an alarming rate that has doubled among males and females since 1981. Still, the statistics vary across Canada; according to the 2011 Obesity in Canada report published by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institute for Health Information, only 5.3 per cent of Richmond, B.C.'s population is obese, compared to a whopping 35 per cent in the Mamawetan/Keewatin/Athabasca region of Saskatchewan.
Of course, factors such as physical activity, diet and socio-economic status affect obesity rates but the report clarifies that community-level interventions and the availability of health services are known to help fend off obesity.
In that case, Humboldt seems to have a strong grassroots initiative in confronting obesity and only time will tell if the Canadian Medical Association will expectedly mimic the classification, and if that will make a difference in the ways Canadian cities manage the problem.
