U.S. Doctors' Group Labels Obesity a Disease

Advocates say AMA's move will boost resources to fight weight-gain epidemic, but others question decision

By Steven Reinberg

HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, June 19 (HealthDay News) -- In an effort to focus greater attention on the weight-gain epidemic plaguing the United States, the American Medical Association has now classified obesity as a disease.

The decision will hopefully pave the way for more attention by doctors on obesity and its dangerous complications, and may even increase insurance coverage for treatments, experts said.

"Recognizing obesity as a disease will help change the way the medical community tackles this complex issue that affects approximately one in three Americans," AMA board member Dr. Patrice Harris said in a statement Tuesday. "The AMA is committed to improving health outcomes and is working to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, which are often linked to obesity."

One expert thinks the AMA's decision, approved Tuesday at the group's annual meeting, could lead to greater coverage by insurance companies of treatments for obesity.

"We already treat obesity as a chronic illness," said Dr. Esa Matius Davis, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. "But this decision will bring more resources into the picture because it will, hopefully, allow for more insurance coverage and that really has been the issue of getting people the help that they need," she said.

Treatments for obesity -- including drugs, nutritional counseling and surgery, if needed -- often don't get reimbursed by insurance companies, Davis said. That means many patients aren't getting the care they need because they can't afford to pay the out-of-pocket costs, she said.

If insurance covered these services "it would increase referrals and treatment and that would be a huge step in the right direction," Davis said.

Right now, Davis gets insurance coverage for her obese patients by diagnosing them with high blood pressure or high cholesterol or diabetes, or other obesity-related conditions. But, that still leaves many obese patients out in the cold, she said.

The Obesity Society, which calls itself the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity, applauded the AMA's decision. "The passage of a new American Medical Association policy classifying obesity as a disease reinforces the science behind obesity prevention and treatment," Theodore Kyle, advocacy chair, said in a statement.

"This vital recognition of obesity as a disease can help to ensure more resources are dedicated to needed research, prevention and treatment; encourage health care professionals to recognize obesity treatment as a needed and respected vocation; and, reduce the stigma and discrimination experienced by the millions affected," he said.

Kyle said the AMA has now joined a number of organizations that have previously made this classification, including the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the Social Security Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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New Sunscreen Labels: What to Look For

May 28, 2013 -- Summer is nearly here, and that means it's time to stock up on sunscreen. But as anyone who's slathered or sprayed only to wind up with a stinging sunburn can tell you, not all sun protection is created equal.

"In the past, you almost had to be an organic chemist to know what to look for on sunscreen labels, whether it was protecting you or not," says Darrell Rigel, MD. He is clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center.

New FDA rules for sunscreen labels are going to make it a whole lot easier for people to compare products when they shop for sunscreen. Here's what to look for:

Broad spectrum coverage. Before the new rules, the term "broad spectrum" had no meaning. Now, the FDA allows sunscreens to use the term only if they pass a certain test for blocking UVB and UVA rays.

Broad spectrum products help protect the skin from burning, skin cancer, and sun damage that causes wrinkles and premature skin aging.

SPF above 30. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, refers to the length of time a person can stay out in the sun with the sunscreen on before they'll burn. In theory, the higher the number, the longer your protection lasts.

But SPFs come with a big catch. Sunscreens are tested for SPFs at a certain thickness on the skin, says Rigel, and people rarely use that much.

"The reality is that if you're using a 50 and you're applying half the normal rated amount, you're getting between a 12 1/2 and a 25 at actual use," he says. Higher SPFs offer better insurance against sunburn, in case you don't put enough on.

Water resistance. Your old sunscreen might have claimed to be "waterproof" or "sweat proof." Those terms are no longer allowed under the new FDA rules because they are misleading, Rigel says. Instead, bottles will now say whether a sunscreen is water resistant for 40 or 80 minutes.

The new sunscreen rules are helpful, but they're not perfect. They don't yet apply to newer formulations, like sprays and powders, so people are still on their own when trying to judge the effectiveness of those products, Rigel says.

The new labels also don't tell you anything about how sticky, gooey, or greasy a product feels, and that's important, Rigel says, since "sunscreens only work if you use them."

Once you've found a product you like, be sure to use it correctly. The American Academy of Dermatology offers these tips for proper application.

Use enough. Most adults need a full ounce of sunscreen to fully cover all exposed areas of skin. An ounce is the amount in a shot glass or enough to fully cover the palm of your cupped hand.

Use it early. Sunscreen takes about 15 minutes to absorb into the skin, so put it on before you head outdoors.

Use it often. Sunscreen should to be reapplied every 2 hours, even if it has a high SPF. Be sure to put more on immediately after swimming or sweating.

Don't use expired products. Sunscreen loses its effectiveness when it starts to separate, which happens 2 to 3 years after it was made. Toss any products that are expired, or that look gritty or have changed appearance.

Never rely on sunscreen alone. Experts also advise covering up with sun protective clothing, including a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses. Try to avoid the sun altogether during midday.

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