Disease Model of Obesity - Oprah Winfrey Brings That Mainstream, Just as Dr. Bob and Bill W. Had for Alcoholism

 Obesity is a medical disease. 

That fact had been in the healthcare community before. It also had been embedded in the belief system of Overeaters Anonymous. 

But it wasn't until Oprah Winfrey brought it mainstream that the message has begun to penetrate. She did that with her presentation "Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution." And that was after she herself accepted that she suffered from a disease not a moral failing and went on one of the new miracle medications to treat the medical condition. They range from ozempic to orforglipron.

The role Winfrey has taken on mirrors the mission of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous Dr. Bob and Bill W. They got it out there that 1) Compulsive consumption of alcohol is a medical disease, not an indulgence or lack of will power 2) It could be put into remission and 3) There were proven-out 12 steps to start that process of remission. And today here we have healthcare coverage for the treatment of the disease of alcoholism as well as legal protections.

Likewise, as an influencer Winfrey can create a platform for reform in everything from healthcare insurance coverage to the legal system in the approach to obesity. But perhaps more importantly, those with the disease can halt in beating themselves up for the failure to maintain a "normal" weight. Winfrey herself admits she had gone through the emotional wringer.  Mean-spirited society helped that along, of course. Being overweight, along with aging, are among the biases which essentially had been given a free pass. 

In most cases you have only one shot in communications. Jane Genova is a communications coach and content-creator. Complimentary consultation (please text 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)


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