ISAA Declares "Obesity Is NOT A Disease!" Despite U.S. Gov't Statement!

Size acceptance organization lauches internet campaign to respond to U.S. government classification of obesity as a disease. Organization disagrees with classification and offers a rebuttal.

AUSTIN, TX (PRWEB) July 19, 2004 -- For years, the International Size Acceptance Association (ISAA) has maintained the claim that obesity is not a disease. Now, many in the medical and obesity-related industries have succeeded in lobbying the U.S. government to have obesity declared a disease in order for
insurance to more readily and easily cover costly obesity "treatments."

In response, ISAA is warning against the dangers of bias against obesity and seemingly quick-fix weight loss solutions with the "Obesity Is NOT
A Disease!" campaign.

ISAA does not believe that obesity is a disease for several reasons. First and most importantly, in most instances, obesity does not prevent
fitness nor activity.

Secondly, ISAA offers an effective alternative to weight loss diets, drugs and surgery in its Respect Fitness Health (RFH) initiative. Simply
put, RFH encourages self-esteem, fitness and healthy eating habits. Weight loss diets, drugs and surgery all have well-documented side-effects, most of which include weight regain and decreased health.

ISAA has a separate "Stop Weight Loss Surgery" campaign at:
http://size-acceptance.org/stop_wls

Lastly, one of the reasons ISAA exists is to help end size-based discrimination. It has clearly been shown that a "pro-thin, anti-fat
implicit bias" exists among health professionals specializing in the treatment of obesity, according to a recent study from the Rudd
Institute at Yale University.

ISAA is recommending that the public contact the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Health & Human Services to:

1. Let them know that the public does not think obesity is a disease; and

2. They do not want to give a free pass to weight loss surgeons and the pharmaceutical and diet industries that simply want to profit from "the
obesity epidemic" when there are healthier alternatives.

ISAA has also provided Obesity Is NOT A Disease!" graphics for the public to download and use on their webpages.

ISAA has also requested they link back to ISAAs Obesity Is NOT A Disease!" webpage at:
http://www.size-acceptance.org/not_a_disease.html

ISAAs mission is to promote size acceptance and help end size-based discrimination throughout the world by means of advocacy and visible,
lawful actions.

Contact Information:
Allen Steadham, Director
International Size Acceptance Association
Phone: 512.371.4307
WWW -- http://www.size-acceptance.org
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