Obesity Now Recognized As Disease By AMA

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The nation's largest medical group has just recognized obesity as a disease.

The new distinction may lead to policy changes in terms of interventions and treatments.

Obesity affects one out of every three American adults. It's linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers.

Previously, the American Medical Association called it a public health problem. Now, by calling it a disease, it could mean more help for people battling obesity.

The medical costs of obesity in the U.S. states total about $150 billion annually.