What Exactly IS Obesity? A Yale Doctor Explains

Dr. Ania Jastreboff is an endocrinologist and associate professor at the Yale School of Medicine. In this video, recorded during Oprah’s “Making the Shift: A New Way to Think About Weight,” she’ll explain why obesity is defined as “a disease” (a neurometabolic disease, to be specific) and why that’s important for addressing its causes and treatments. She also discusses the facts and fiction about weight loss medications and why the option might be (or might not be) explored for some of her patients - and how you, and only you, can make the decision about what’s best for your health.

“Making the Shift,” which aired on May 9 to a live studio audience, unpacks the multifaceted, preconceived notions we have about weight, from the profound impact diet culture has had on our society to how we can reframe harmful narratives surrounding our weight and our bodies. The conversation – featuring Rebel Wilson, Busy Philipps, Amber Riley, and many others – brought together individuals, communities and medical experts to bridge the science of “weight” with a new outlook that brings the health and wellbeing of our bodies into focus.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be regarded as a substitute for guidance from your healthcare provider.

FOLLOW WeightWatchers:

#oprah #aniajastreboff #makingtheshift

[dianneleibman]

We need to get health insurance companies to recognize obesity as a disease. People cannot afford the cost of these meds.

[sherylbehrman]

Dr. Ania seems to be an amazing doctor ❤

[alogden]

My primary doctor retired. The PA took over. First time meeting me h3 did a referral for bariatic surgery. Never even asked me what I may have tried in the past.

[georginarandolphgirl]

I was a skinny and active kid, teen and early 20s. I had problems with ovarian cysts since I was 21 and then I started gaining weight no matter what I ate and how physically active that I was. I had all physically demanding jobs and always struggled with weight gain. My last job before retiring was very active of walking 14km a day plus pushing patients in beds, etc. Then after having a complete hysterectomy where my last ovary, uterus, fallopian tube's and cervix were removed and I gained close to 50 lbs while still eating the same foods and being very physically active. Since being off work and medications, I gained another 69 lbs. I am so frustrated because my body is racked with pain and stiffness.

[Dotie]

I love it that you identify fat as energy.

[lizabaradona]

Yes! I was told by a doctor “Just shut your mouth and you will lose weight”.

[GrampianQueen]

Fast foods, factory produced over procesed food, huge portions in resaurants, sedentary life styles, not educating children about nutrition. The list goes on. Look at the difference in people in the last century before all of the above. Obesity rates have surged in that time. We have shifted in the way we get our food and how we spend our time. Easy quick fixes and less activity. How many children come home from school and imediately have access to snacks then sit infront of a game or tv till bed?

[FotiXGkD]

08:07 yes there are, but most of them are illegal af

[guyincognito]

Where is the discussion about addressing the obesogenic environment created by food industrial complex and the auto industry? Why are Americans in particular so fat? Is it because we have less willpower than Europeans and Asians? Worse genetics? Less informed about healthy eating? Fewer gyms? Not enough programs like WW available?

[valeriemartini]

Most Doctors don’t Listen. They also just treat symptoms. Doctors need more nutrition training. It’s not thee food Pyramid.

[juliethompson]

Does Oprah own stock in these pharmaceutical companies?

[paulawhite]

“Our patients are shamed if they lose weight with medication; our patients are shamed if they don’t lose weight. There’s no winning.” Ummm, is the obvious fallacy in this statement evident to only me? 🤔

[ellasteele]

I felt like the doctor was proving that she was a compassionate doctor rather than giving us tools to help us control our weight. I really didn't get much out of this video other than that.

[mey]

This feels like an Oprah love fest. That doctor is a mess.