People who are overweight know they are overweight. So when a doctor says simply, “You are overweight and need to lose some pounds,” the words alone are not helpful. Would a doctor say the same for any other diagnosis? “You have cancer, you need to not.” Never.

The medical profession along with insurance providers may finally respond to obesity for what it is: a health condition requiring medical care. Last year Medicare began paying for one-to-one care for patients seeking help with losing weight. Next year insurance companies are expected to follow.(See story)

(S-R archive photo)

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