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What Is Obesity? An Endocrinologist Explains
Learn why obesity is more complex than lifestyle habits.
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Updated on February 14, 2023There is some controversy about the word obesity and the role of body size in health. There are also myths about what causes people to gain weight or have difficulty losing weight.
In this video, learn the traditional definition of obesity and why it’s not exclusively tied to lifestyle choices, according to Minisha Sood, MD, Endocrinologist in New York City.
Additional Medical Contributors (2)
- Preeti Parikh, MDPreeti Parikh, MD is the Executive Medical Director at GoodRx and served as the Chief Medical Officer of HealthiNation.
- Minisha Sood, MDDr. Sood is a board-certified Endocrinologist in private practice in New York City and an assistant professor at Hofstra School of Medicine.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Defining adult overweight & obesity.
Kyle, T. K., et al. (2016). Regarding obesity as a disease: Evolving policies and their implications. Endocrinology & Metabolism Clinics of North America.
View All References (1)
World Health Organization. (2021). Obesity and overweight.
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