Why does everyone think that obesity is a disease like anything else?

Obesity is brought on by over eating and inactivity in most people. Years ago when people walked down to the store and did their own housework and cooked at home instead of stuffing themselves with fastfood there wasn't as big of a problem. In foreign countries where people use public transport and walk alot they are slimmer (I know this to be true as I saw very few fat people when I was in London and the ones I saw were American tourists). A disease is something that takes over your body and the diseases that obese people have usually come from being obese in the first place. Of course they are going to have bad knees and stuff carrying on too much weight. If I run up my credit cards I will have trouble paying them so I guess that's a disease and someone should do something to ease the situation I have gotten my self into.

Obesity is like a disease. But I think that most people who are obese and like to think they have a disease are trying to avoid responsibility for their own actions in eating more calories than they burn up. And just think! WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR MEDICAL CARE! because our own insurance and medicare premiums will rise due tthe costs of the obesity and its side effects. I hate that.

No it is not!!! Just stop feeding your face, and obesity will go away!!!!!
It's not a disease it's an EPIDEMIC...its our society, our lifestyle, OUR culture...all we do is sit on our butts, sadly that's the truth. You are right we do need to move and just walk but our way of life has spoiled us or made it impossible.

I guess it has to be looked at as a disease because it causes illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, blood pressure, and a whole series of other detrimental things.
An obesity gene has been identified. There is also a chemical that tells you when you are full. Some people lack this chemical. Obesity can also be caused by a slow metabolism. Do more research before you come on here with this ignorance.
Psychology Major.
Disease or addiction...

is my cocaine use a disease?? lol just joking just joking i don't use cocaine but you know what i'm getting at
Many consider obesity a disease because it, like many diseases, harms your body and opens your body to other illnesses. I've only lost about 10 pounds and I have noticed I have become healthier than a couple years ago.