Obesity is a disease.

The American Medical Association House of Delegates' vote in June to classify obesity as a "disease state with multiple pathophysiological aspects requiring a range of interventions to advance obesity treatment and prevention" sparked national debate. Critics worry calling obesity a disease will take focus off prevention and remove personal responsibility from the equation. Supporters say the classification is bound to spur innovative policy, research, and treatment approaches to obesity. Physicians by and large hope that the new label will persuade private health plans and Medicaid to pay for treatment of obese patients.