Should Europe follow the US and declare obesity a disease?: a discussion of the so-called utilitarian argument

摘要: In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) decided to recognize obesity as a disease. One of main arguments presented in favor this was broadly 'utilitarian': disease label would, it claimed, provide more benefits than harms and thereby serve general good. Several individuals groups have argued that reasoning is just powerful European context. Drawing mainly on review relevant social science research, we discuss validity argument. Our conclusion Western welfare state, defining will not balance good, therefore appropriate continue treat risk factor. The reasons are: It debatable whether would lead better access care preventive measures legal protection Europe. Medicalization overtreatment are possible negative effects label. There no evidence support claim declaring reduce discrimination or stigmatization. fact, contrary likely, since categorically define obese body deviant.