Occupational therapy’s role in chronic obesity management

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the last 20 years in the United States, with approximately 42.4% of adults meeting the criteria for obesity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as, “a complex disease defined by excessive fat deposits that can impair health” (2024). Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. Obesity limits one’s probability of participating in desired or fulfilling occupations (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2013). Obesity is connected to genetic factors, metabolic and hormonal irregularities, environmental influences, and lifestyle factors (CDC, 2022). Chronic obesity is a significant contributor to other serious health issues such as coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and cancer (CDC, 2022; WHO, 2024). It is predicted that by 2030 more than half of all Americans will be classified as being clinically obese (CDC, 2021). The most alarming rates of obesity can be linked to health disparities associated with race and ethnicity, obesogenic environments, socioeconomic factors, intellectual level/educational attainment, and disability status (CDC, 2022; Ougayour, et al., 2021; Sarwer & Heinberg, 2020; WHO, 2024). The disproportionate experience of obesity and comorbidities within these populations requires targeted health care interventions (Muntefering, et al., 2023; Pizzi, 2013). Beyond individual health, obesity places burdens on health care systems’ resources and annual costs (CDC, 2022).