Dr. Rees Checketts, DO

Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease by the AMA, the Endocrine Society, and the WHO. It involves complex interactions between genetics, hormones, neurobiology, and environment. Willpower plays a much smaller role than biology — and treating it as a moral failing is both inaccurate and harmful.

Yes. The STEP 1 clinical trial showed an average of ~15% body weight reduction with semaglutide — results that were previously only seen with surgery. These medications work by targeting hunger and satiety signals in the brain, not just slowing digestion. They're not a shortcut; they're a treatment for a biological disease.

For many people, yes — just like blood pressure or diabetes medication. Obesity is a chronic condition with a strong biological drive to regain weight. Stopping medication often leads to weight regain. That's not failure; it's how the biology works. Your provider can help you weigh the long-term risk/benefit picture.

BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Two people with the same BMI can have very different metabolic health profiles. Waist circumference, visceral fat, blood markers (insulin, lipids, glucose), and overall functional health give a much more complete picture than a number on a scale or a BMI chart.

Absolutely. Lifestyle change — nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management — is always the foundation. Medication is an option when biology makes that foundation insufficient on its own. A good obesity medicine provider will individualize the approach based on your health history, goals, and biology. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.