Ever since it showed up on the Body Mass Index, the label “obese” has been used to judge and often shame people with larger bodies.

Medical providers, family and friends, even strangers make assumptions about fat people’s health solely based on their size.

At the same time, excess quantities of fat can lead to poor health outcomes such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Over the decades, medical associations have evolved their understanding of obesity. The American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health, and the American Obesity Society all classify obesity as a disease requiring medical treatment. 

How does that change the way medical providers care for their obese and overweight patients? And does that mean people with fatter bodies can now face less discrimination?

As a part of a series of ongoing conversations on Well, Now on weight and health, we discuss the current medical definition of obesity and how to treat it with Dr. Angela Fitch, former Associate Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center.

If you liked this episode, check out: The Isolation of a Life-Threatening Diagnosis

Well, Now is hosted by registered dietitian nutritionist Maya Feller and Dr. Kavita Patel.

Editing and podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry with oversight from Alicia Montgomery.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to wellnow@slate.com

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